Festive Holiday Glazed Salmon With Cranberries Recipe

Crafting a delectable holiday glazed salmon with cranberries promises a festive culinary adventure that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together, creating a symphony of taste that captures the essence of seasonal celebration.

Vibrant crimson cranberries add a burst of color and brightness to the succulent salmon fillet.

Rich glazes infuse each bite with complex layers of deliciousness, making this dish a standout on any festive table.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this recipe transforms a simple fish into an elegant centerpiece.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this showstopping dish without stress.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and watch your guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Salmon with Holiday Glaze That’s Just Right

• Elevate Holiday Dining: Transform your festive meal with this gourmet salmon dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen.
• Master Quick Culinary Skills: Learn an elegant recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking expertise, perfect for home chefs wanting to upgrade their cooking game.
• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Combine tangy cranberries, sweet honey, and savory salmon for a complex taste profile that captures the essence of holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Enjoy a nutritious protein-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and quick dinner solutions.

Glazed Holiday Salmon with Cranberries Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish with rich, buttery texture perfect for glazing.

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create vibrant, holiday-inspired sauce.
• Honey: Sweet liquid that helps balance cranberry's tartness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and complex flavor to the glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to the sauce.

• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that enhances glaze complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory background notes.
• Ground Ginger: Brings warm, slightly spicy undertone.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear salmon with golden color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb for color and fresh taste.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides zesty citrus accent.
• Optional Extra Salt and Pepper: For final seasoning adjustment.

Holiday Glazed Salmon Cooking Method

Step 1: Craft Cranberry Glaze

• Cranberries
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Ground ginger

Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until cranberries burst and sauce transforms into a rich, glossy consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust develops.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer skillet to preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes until salmon flakes effortlessly with a fork.

Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize

During the final 2-3 minutes of baking, generously spoon cranberry glaze over salmon. Watch as the glaze caramelizes, creating a stunning, glossy finish.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining cranberry glaze. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Accompany with bright lemon wedges to enhance the flavor profile.

Salmon Tips That Nail the Cranberry Glaze Finish

• Pick Fresh Cranberries: Choose plump, firm cranberries with deep red color for the most vibrant and flavorful glaze.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to help cranberries burst naturally and create a thick, rich coating that clings perfectly to salmon.
• Sear for Golden Crust: Use high heat when searing salmon to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon closely during baking, checking for easy flaking with a fork to ensure tender, juicy fish without drying out.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Drizzle extra glaze at the end to enhance sweetness and add depth, creating a restaurant-quality presentation with bright, tangy notes.

Best Storage Practices For Holiday Glazed Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain quality and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Reheat salmon on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Stop heating once warmed through to preserve texture.

What to Serve Alongside Holiday Glazed Salmon

• Pair Bright Chardonnay: Crisp, unoaked Chardonnay complements the sweet-tangy cranberry glaze, cutting through the rich salmon with refreshing acidity.
• Create Herbed Quinoa Side: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and lemon zest provides a perfect neutral base that highlights the salmon's complex flavors.
• Match Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic and olive oil bring earthy undertones that balance the sweet-tart salmon glaze, adding textural contrast.
• Select Pinot Noir Rosé: Delicate, fruity rosé with subtle berry notes harmonizes beautifully with the cranberry elements, enhancing the dish's holiday-inspired profile without overwhelming the delicate fish.

Glazed Salmon Festive Spins

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace honey with maple syrup and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a fully dairy-free and allergy-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener and reduce cranberry quantity to lower overall carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Pescatarian Herb Variation: Add fresh dill and thyme to the cranberry glaze for enhanced herbal notes, complementing the salmon's natural richness.
• Grilling Alternative: Instead of oven-baking, prepare salmon on a preheated grill using a cedar plank to infuse smoky undertones and create a different cooking method.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them directly to the saucepan and cook a few minutes longer to help them burst and release their juices.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should look opaque and have a light pink color throughout.

• Is it okay to substitute the balsamic vinegar?

You can replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Each will provide a slightly different tangy flavor to the cranberry glaze.

• Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using with the salmon.

Holiday Glazed Salmon With Cranberries Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive holiday glazed salmon sparkles with tangy cranberry elegance, offering a sophisticated seasonal centerpiece. Quick-prep magic combines sweet-tart flavors, making you the star chef at your winter gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)

Glaze and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare an aromatic cranberry glaze by combining cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring periodically until cranberries burst and the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy consistency.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet, creating a sizzling surface for the salmon fillets. Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown exterior.
3. Transition the skillet directly into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing the salmon to cook through for 8-10 minutes until it becomes delicately flaky.
4. During the final moments of baking, generously brush the salmon with the vibrant cranberry glaze, encouraging a subtle caramelization that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
5. Extract the skillet from the oven and lavish the salmon with any remaining glaze, creating a glossy finish that amplifies the dish’s visual appeal.
6. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling fresh parsley over the glazed salmon and accompanying the dish with bright, zesty lemon wedges to introduce a refreshing citrus accent.

Notes

• Balance the tartness of cranberries with honey for a harmonious sweet-tangy glaze that elevates the salmon’s rich flavor.
• Searing salmon before baking creates a delightful golden crust while keeping the interior moist and tender.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably, ensuring they’re plump and bright for maximum sauce intensity.
• Swap salmon with other fish like halibut or arctic char for dietary variations without compromising the glaze’s stunning profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg