Christmas Baked Salmon

INTRODUCTION

Christmas Baked Salmon is a delightful dish perfect for the holiday season. The flavors come together beautifully, making it a standout centerpiece for any festive meal. Salmon is rich in nutrients and provides a healthy option for your holiday feast. With a creamy dill sauce, refreshing pomegranate seeds, and the sweetness of honey, this recipe combines various tastes that everyone will love.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for many reasons. Firstly, it is easy to make, even for those who are not experts in the kitchen. The steps are clear, and the cooking time is reasonable, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Additionally, using salmon means you are serving a dish that is not only delicious but also healthy. The combination of creamy sauce, crunchy almonds, and tart cranberries adds layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish to something special. Finally, the beautiful presentation with bright colors will impress your guests and family alike.

HOW TO MAKE Christmas Baked Salmon

Making Christmas Baked Salmon is simple when you follow the instructions carefully. Here’s how you can do it step by step.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before starting, make sure you have the right tools:

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Garlic press or knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter

 

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. 2.4 – 3lb salmon side (skin on, bones removed)
2. 2 1/4 tsp salt (cooking/kosher)
3. 1 tsp black pepper
4. 5oz unsalted butter
5. 1/2 cup honey
6. 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
7. 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
8. 1/2 cup fresh dill (finely chopped)
9. 1/2 eschallot (finely grated)
10. 1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
11. 1/2 tsp salt (extra)
12. 1 cup dried cranberries
13. 1 cup orange juice
14. 1 cup toasted slivered almonds
15. 1/3 cup parsley (roughly chopped)
16. 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
17. 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
18. 1 pomegranate (only the seeds)
19. 1/4 cup parsley (extra, roughly chopped)
20. 3 tbsp lemon juice
21. 2 extra lemons (for serving)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Creamy Dill Sauce

1. Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant but not browned.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, fresh dill, lemon zest, extra salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the melted butter and garlic into the mixing bowl and stir well. Set aside.

Holiday Tapenade

1. In another bowl, combine dried cranberries, slivered almonds, chopped parsley, and pomegranate seeds.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix everything together.

Cooking Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Place the salmon skin-side down in a baking dish.
3. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the honey over the salmon evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Assembly and Serving

1. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven.
2. Spread the creamy dill sauce over the salmon generously.
3. Top it with the holiday tapenade mix to add color and flavor.
4. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

HOW TO SERVE Christmas Baked Salmon

Serve Christmas Baked Salmon on a large platter, where everyone can see the vibrant colors of the dish. It makes for a stunning centerpiece. Pair it with seasonal sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the salmon. Don’t forget to leave the lemon wedges on the side; they add a lovely fresh flavor when squeezed over the fish.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Christmas Baked Salmon

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last about 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through. You can freeze cooked salmon, but it might change the texture slightly. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It should be eaten within three months.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can enjoy Christmas Baked Salmon in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it with a fresh side salad for a light meal.
• Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete dinner.
• Use it in a sandwich with cream cheese and fresh herbs.
• Flake it for a delicious topping on crackers for an appetizer.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to customize your Christmas Baked Salmon:

• Try using different herbs like thyme or basil instead of dill.
• Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the creamy sauce.
• For a sweeter touch, mix in some orange zest with the honey.
• Use a walnut topping instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. A food thermometer should read around 63°C (145°F).

Can I use frozen salmon?

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

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream.

How do I store pomegranate seeds?

Store pomegranate seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Baked Salmon

If you want to save time on the day of your gathering, you can prepare the creamy dill sauce and the holiday tapenade a day in advance. Store them in the fridge. You can also prepare your salmon, season it, and wrap it in plastic wrap; just bake it on the day of your celebration. This way, you can enjoy the festive spirit without lots of last-minute cooking.

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