This utterly unique recipe for tarragon & fennel scotch-cured salmon will take your next brunch to the next level. It’s simple to make 3 days in advance, producing a salmon with rich, infused flavor. I’m providing detailed step-by-step instructions for getting the best possible results.

Slices of bread arranged diagonally on a cutting board, topped with cream cheese and cured salmon.

I’m using Copper River coho salmon in this recipe, which is a milder-tasting wild salmon, so it’s a perfect pair with the tarragon & fennel. If you want to take your salmon to another level, you can try these salmon spring rolls!

🗒 How to Make This Recipe

A mixture of sugar, salt, fennel, and white pepper on a red-brown cutting board.

First, mix your sugar, salt, fennel, and white pepper in a bowl.

Foil and parchment laid out on a countertop.

Then, take a large piece of foil and lay it over your workspace. Cover the foil with a sheet of parchment paper. Make sure it is large enough to wrap your salmon.

A large piece of salmon on parchment paper covered in a spice mix.

Next, place your salmon skin side down on the parchment paper. Coat both sides of your salmon filet in the entire mixture. It may look like a lot, but you will be washing this off after the curing process. Then, cover the top of the salmon with the fresh tarragon. Pour the scotch over the filet. Wrap the salmon in the parchment paper and wrap the parchment-covered salmon in the foil.

Two large silver sheet pans stacked on top of one another.

Next, place your wrapped salmon filet on a baking sheet, and cover it with another baking sheet. Put weights, cans, or books on top of the salmon and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

A hand rinsing spices and greens off a large piece of salmon under a faucet.

After 3-4 days, remove the wrapping and rinse the cure off of the salmon.

A large piece of salmon on a marble and wood cutting board.

Pat the salmon completely dry.

A woman with a silver knife cutting thin slices off a large piece of salmon on a black cutting board.

Slice into thin pieces, and serve!

🍽 Ways to Serve Cured Salmon

The simplest and sometimes most delicious way to enjoy this cured salmon is by slathering a bagel with cream cheese and topping it with the tarragon & fennel scotch cured salmon.

An overhead view of slices of bread arranged diagonally on a cutting board, topped with cream cheese and cured salmon.

⭐️ More Showstopping Salmon Recipes

Salmon might be my favorite fish to cook with, and it shines in these creative dishes.

Small cut pieces of salad rolls next to dipping sauce.

Smoked Salmon Salad Rolls with a Creamy Basil Citrus Dressing

Citrus Thyme Salmon

Miso Ginger Salmon

Salmon Crudo

Author: Candice Walker