Smoky Grilled Arctic Char with Swedish Horseradish Cream

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about Swedish cuisine—it marries simplicity with bold, fresh flavors, often drawing inspiration from the rugged landscape and cold waters. This recipe for Smoky Grilled Arctic Char captures that Nordic spirit perfectly, offering a dining experience that is both rustic and refined. Arctic Char, with its rich texture sitting somewhere between salmon and trout, is the ideal candidate for the grill. When cooked over an open fire or a flat-top plancha, the skin crisps beautifully while the pink flesh remains tender, moist, and infused with a delicate smokiness.

The real star that ties this dish together, however, is the zesty horseradish cream. It cuts through the natural richness of the oily fish, providing a cool, spicy contrast that elevates the dish from a simple weeknight dinner to a gourmet experience. Whether you are using a cedar plank for extra woodsy aroma or searing directly on the grate for that perfect char, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It is a testament to how few high-quality ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular.

Ingredients

The Fish

• 4 Arctic Char fillets (skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

The Swedish Horseradish Cream

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche (or full-fat sour cream)
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Horseradish Cream

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the crème fraîche, prepared horseradish, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill.
2. Whisk gently until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The sauce should be tangy with a noticeable kick.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prep the Arctic Char

1. Remove the Arctic Char fillets from the refrigerator and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
2. Brush both sides of the fish with olive oil.
3. Season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and the fresh chopped dill. Press the seasonings gently into the flesh to ensure they adhere during grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using an Arteflame or flat-top grill, ensure the cooktop is seasoned and hot.
2. If using a standard grate, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
3. Place the fillets on the grill, skin-side down. This protects the delicate flesh and allows the skin to get delightfully crispy.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Let the fish cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. You will see the color of the fish change from translucent to opaque as it cooks upward.
2. Once the skin is crisp and releases easily from the grill, carefully flip the fillets.
3. Cook on the flesh side for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as Char is best when moist.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a minute.
2. Plate the fillets and dollop a generous amount of the chilled horseradish cream on top or to the side.
3. Garnish with extra fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips

Achieving the perfect grilled fish requires a bit of finesse and attention to detail. First, ensure your grill is properly heated; medium-high heat is crucial for rendering the fat under the skin and getting that signature crispiness without burning the delicate flesh. If you are using an Arteflame or a flat-top grill, utilize the different heat zones—sear the skin in the center where it is hottest, then move the fillets to the cooler outer edge to finish cooking gently. This technique prevents the fish from drying out.

Regarding the sauce, do not skimp on the horseradish. Its potency diminishes slightly when mixed with the dairy, so taste as you go and adjust the heat level to your preference. Also, make sure your fish is bone-dry before oiling it; surface moisture creates steam, which prevents a good sear. Finally, let the fish rest for a minute or two after pulling it off the heat. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Variations

While Arctic Char is the traditional choice for this Nordic dish, this Swedish-inspired cooking method is incredibly versatile and works well with various seafood. If you cannot find char at your local fishmonger, salmon or rainbow trout are excellent substitutes that offer a similar fat content and texture. For those who enjoy a bit more complex flavor profile, you can experiment with the rub or the cooking vessel to change the character of the dish.

• The Salmon Swap: Use Atlantic or King Salmon fillets if Arctic Char is unavailable; increase cooking time slightly for thicker cuts.
• Cedar Planked: Soak a cedar plank for 2 hours and grill the fish on the plank for an intensified wood-smoke flavor.
• Herbal Twist: Swap the dill for fresh tarragon or chives in the cream sauce for a different aromatic profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the fish seasoning rub.
• Mustard Glaze: Brush the fish with a thin layer of Swedish mustard before grilling for a sweet and tangy crust.

Best pairings

To round out this Scandinavian feast, simplicity is key, allowing the main ingredients to shine. New potatoes, boiled until tender and tossed in melted butter and fresh parsley, are the classic Swedish accompaniment; their earthiness soaks up the juices and cream sauce beautifully. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinegar and sugar dressing (Pressgurka) adds a necessary acidity and crunch to cut through the creamy sauce and the richness of the oily fish.

For a beverage, a crisp, dry white wine is the standard choice. A Riesling or a Grüner Veltliner pairs magnificently, echoing the lemon notes and balancing the horseradish heat. Alternatively, if you prefer beer, a light wheat beer or a crisp pilsner complements the smokiness of the grill without overpowering the delicate flavor of the char. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling elderflower cordial is refreshing and culturally appropriate.

Conclusion

This Smoky Swedish Grilled Char with Horseradish Cream is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of fresh ingredients and the joy of outdoor cooking. The combination of the hot, smoky fish and the cool, tangy sauce creates a balance that is satisfying to the palate and comforting to the soul. It is sophisticated enough to serve at a summer dinner party yet quick enough to whip up for a healthy family meal on a busy weeknight. By mastering this simple grilling technique, you bring a taste of the Swedish coast right to your backyard. Light the fire, gather your friends, and enjoy the robust, natural flavors of the North.