Ingredients

  • One 2 1/2-pound whole salmon fillet, with skin
  • 3 tablespoons aquavit
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Vegetable oil, for rubbing
  • Horseradish mayonnaise and radish salad, for serving

Method

  • Set the salmon skin side down on a large rimmed baking sheet and rub with the aquavit.
  • Let stand for 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, coriander and cardamom.
  • Rub the sugar mixture all over the salmon.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 36 hours.
  • Light a grill or heat a grill pan.
  • Pat the salmon dry and cut it into 6 portions.
  • Rub the salmon skin and the grill with oil.
  • Grill the fish, skin side down, over moderately high heat until the skin is crisp, about 1 minute.
  • Cover the grill and cook the fish over moderate heat until rare within, about 6 minutes.
  • Serve hot or chilled with horseradish mayonnaise and a radish salad on the side.