Description
Festive Christmas Salmon elevates holiday dining with Nordic-inspired elegance. Delicate herbed salmon nestles alongside roasted seasonal vegetables, promising a memorable meal that delights guests and brings warmth to winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.2–1.5 kg (2.4–3 lb) salmon side, skin on, bones removed
Seasoning and Spices:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Honey Butter Glaze:
- 150 g (5 ounces) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Creamy Dill Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Holiday Tapenade:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Garnish:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Craft a luscious honey butter glaze by gently melting butter in a saucepan, incorporating honey and fragrant garlic, then simmering until the mixture turns slightly viscous and aromatic.
- Meticulously prepare a baking tray with foil and parchment paper, positioning the salmon skin-side down with precision. Season generously with salt and pepper, then lavishly coat the fish with the golden honey butter glaze.
- Encase the salmon in a protective foil packet, allowing it to bake gently at a moderate temperature. After initial cooking, carefully unveil the packet, basting the fish with its own luxurious juices.
- Elevate the oven temperature to create a delicate caramelization, transforming the salmon’s exterior into a glistening, appetizing surface while maintaining its tender interior.
- Meanwhile, whip together a vibrant creamy dill sauce by blending tangy sour cream with freshly chopped dill, bright lemon juice, and a whisper of seasoning. Chill the sauce to let flavors meld.
- Construct a festive holiday tapenade by combining tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and verdant parsley, creating a textural garnish with complex flavor profiles.
- Present the salmon on an elegant platter, draping it with the creamy dill sauce and scattering the holiday tapenade across its surface. Embellish with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and zesty lemon wedges for a final flourish of color and brightness.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon to ensure the best flavor and texture in this festive dish.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon by checking its doneness early; aim for a slightly translucent center for maximum moisture.
- Customize the glaze by experimenting with different sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar for varied flavor profiles.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free ingredients and ensuring all seasonings are free from gluten contamination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg