Russian Salmon Caviar (Ikra)
Total Steps
5
Ingredients
3
Tools Needed
5
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- 1 salmon fresh salmon roe
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 cup water at room temperature
Instructions
Step 1
Combine water and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir continuously until the salt is completely dissolved, aiming for a saturated salt solution. This may take up to 10 minutes. If salt is still not dissolved after 10 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of water and stir some more. A small amount of undissolved salt is acceptable.
Step 2
Separate individual fish eggs from the clear membranous sac of the fresh salmon roe. Use a teaspoon or a table knife: place it behind the eggs, press down carefully, and slide along the membrane to push the eggs out without rupturing them.
Step 3
Add the clean salmon roe to the brine. Stir once very gently and let it stand for 15 minutes. It is normal for the roe to appear wrinkly and whitish.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, drain the brine off the caviar using a colander.
Step 5
Optionally, let the caviar stand overnight in the fridge before eating. If, after refrigeration, the caviar still appears wrinkly, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir very gently to allow the caviar to absorb the liquid and plump up.