Christmas Baked Salmon

INTRODUCTION

Christmas Baked Salmon is a delightful dish that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This dish features a beautiful piece of salmon, perfect for a festive dinner. It combines fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors to create something truly special. With its tender meat and rich taste, Christmas Baked Salmon will be the star of your table this holiday season.

Eating salmon is not just delicious; it’s healthy too. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. This dish is packed with flavors from fresh herbs and zesty citrus, making it a treat for your taste buds.

Cooking salmon can seem like a challenge, especially for special occasions. But this recipe is simple and straightforward. You don’t need to be a chef to make it shine. With just a few steps, you can impress your family and friends.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Christmas Baked Salmon for many reasons. First, the flavors are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. The honey glaze on the fish adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with its natural richness. The creamy dill sauce brings a refreshing element, while the holiday tapenade gives a lovely crunch and burst of flavors.

Second, this dish is festive and visually appealing. The bright colors of the pomegranate seeds and cranberries make it a centerpiece on your holiday table. It looks beautiful and invites everyone to dig in.

Also, it is healthy. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Serving it with fresh herbs and fruits boosts the nutritional value of your meal without sacrificing taste.

Finally, it is easy and quick to prepare. This recipe takes minimal time from prep to table, allowing you to enjoy the festive season without stress. You can have a meal ready in less than an hour!

HOW TO MAKE Christmas Baked Salmon

Making Christmas Baked Salmon is an enjoyable process. You will find that it involves simple ingredients and easy methods. Follow these steps to create your festive dish.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Christmas Baked Salmon successfully, gather the following equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bake the perfect Christmas Baked Salmon, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.2 to 1.5 kg / 2.4 to 3 lb salmon side, skin on, bones removed
• 2 1/4 tsp salt, cooking or kosher
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 150g / 5 oz unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/2 eschallot (French onion), finely grated
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt, cooking or kosher
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/3 cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pomegranate, only the seeds
• 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 lemons, cut into 6 pieces each, for serving

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare Creamy Dill Sauce: In a bowl, mix sour cream, dill, eschallot, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Prepare Holiday Tapenade: In a saucepan, heat orange juice until hot. Add cranberries, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain cranberries and mix them with almonds, parsley, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. This can be served at room temperature.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F. Prepare a large sheet of foil on a tray. Then add parchment paper on top of the foil. Place the salmon on the parchment paper and fold up the sides of the foil.
4. Make Honey Butter Glaze: Melt the butter with honey and minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat. Pour this glaze over the salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap the salmon completely in the foil and parchment paper.
5. Bake the Salmon: Place the wrapped salmon in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover the salmon and broil for 7 to 10 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
6. Transfer and Cool: Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Let it cool for 15 minutes to allow juices to settle.
7. Assemble and Serve: Spread the Creamy Dill Sauce over the salmon. Top with the Holiday Tapenade, pomegranate seeds, and freshly chopped parsley. Squeeze lemon juice over the top. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Christmas Baked Salmon

When serving Christmas Baked Salmon, presentation matters. Place the salmon confidently on a large platter. Add a generous amount of Creamy Dill Sauce on top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Scatter the Holiday Tapenade across the fillet, highlighting its vibrant colors.

For a festive touch, sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley over the salmon. These add not just flavor, but a bright and attractive appearance. Serve freshly cut lemon wedges on the side for guests who may want some extra zest.

This dish pairs beautifully with festive sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a colorful salad. The options are plentiful, making it a versatile main course for any occasion.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Christmas Baked Salmon

If you have leftovers from your Christmas Baked Salmon, you can store them. First, let the salmon cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

You can also freeze the baked salmon if you want to keep it longer. Wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it up gently in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Christmas Baked Salmon can be served with many sides. Consider these delicious options:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes create a colorful and healthy side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes enhance the hearty elements of salmon beautifully.
• Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf with herbs pairs nicely and soaks up the delicious salmon juices.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with citrus dressing can add a refreshing contrast.
• Bread or Rolls: Soft bread rolls can be a nice addition to soak up the tasty sauces.

Combining these sides with your Christmas Baked Salmon will create a delightful holiday meal.

VARIATIONS

There are several ways to give a twist to Christmas Baked Salmon. Here are some variations you can try:

• Herb Variations: Use different herbs in the creamy sauce like basil, chives, or mint. Each herb offers a unique flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add chili flakes or fresh diced jalapeños to the honey glaze for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Different Nuts: If you don’t have slivered almonds, try walnuts or pecans for a different crunch in your holiday tapenade.
• Citrus Twist: Replace orange juice with pineapple or grapefruit juice for a tropical flavor.
• Fish Alternatives: If you’re not keen on salmon, you can use trout or halibut. These also cook nicely and absorb flavors well.

Each variation can add a new charm to your Christmas dinner while keeping the essence of the recipe intact.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

2. How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?

You can check if the salmon is done by using a fork. It should easily flake apart when it’s fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 62 degrees C / 145 degrees F.

3. Can I make the creamy dill sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy dill sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day you make the salmon.

4. How do I keep my salmon from drying out?

Wrapping the salmon in foil and parchment paper helps retain moisture. Broiling it briefly at the end gives it a nice finish without drying it out.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Baked Salmon

You can prepare many elements of Christmas Baked Salmon ahead of time. Here are some tips to make your cooking easier:

• Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce: Mix it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, so it’s ready to use when you bake the salmon.
• Make the Holiday Tapenade: This can also be made a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. It tastes great even after sitting for a bit.
• Pre-measure Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and measure them out ahead of time. This makes assembling the dish quicker and simpler.
• Prepare Your Fish: If you’re using fresh fish, you can clean and prep it a few hours before cooking. Just remember to keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.

With these tips, you can reduce the workload on the day you serve this festive dish. Enjoy your cooking, and have a wonderful Christmas!

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