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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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