Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe – Stunning & Easy Centerpiece – that’s exactly what this dish is: the star of your holiday table without the pre-holiday stress! Imagin extracte a perfectly flaky, moist salmon, infused with festive flavors that sing of the season, all nestled on a bed of vibrant, complementary ingredients. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an edible centerpiece that will have your guests oohing and aahing before the first bite. We all love a beautiful holiday meal, but let’s be honest, we also love spending time with loved ones, not slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where this particular Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe shines. Its inherent elegance makes it feel incredibly special, perfect for impressing guests, while its straightforward preparation means you can actually enjoy the festivities too. What truly sets this salmon apart is the harmonious blend of bright, herbaceous notes with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich fish. It’s a symphony of holiday flavors that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Ingredients:
- 1.2–1.5 kg side of salmon, skin on, bones removed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 150g unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 shallot, grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for the sauce)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup hot orange juice
- 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
Preparing the Salmon
Preheat and Prep the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature when your salmon is ready to go in, promoting even cooking and a beautifully flaky result. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will not only make cleanup a breeze but also prevent the salmon from sticking. Pat the salmon side completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a slightly crisped exterior and allowing the seasonings to adhere better. Place the salmon, skin-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet.
Seasoning the Star of the Show
Now, let’s season the salmon generously. Sprinkle the 2 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt evenly over the entire surface of the salmon flesh. Don’t be shy with the salt; it helps to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. Follow this with the 1 teaspoon of black pepper, distributing it to create a balanced seasoning. The salt and pepper form the foundational flavor profile for our Christmas Baked Salmon, making every bite delicious.
Crafting the Glaze and Sauce
Creating the Honey-Garlic Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 150g of unsalted butter. Once the butter has completely melted and begin extracts to foam slightly, add the 1/2 cup of honey and the 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir these ingredients together gently. Let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse its aroma into the sweet honey butter. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can impart a bitter flavor. This simple yet potent glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven, giving the salmon a lovely sheen and a rich, savory-sweet finish.
Preparing the Creamy Dill Sauce
While the glaze is warming, let’s prepare the accompanying creamy dill sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of full-fat sour cream, 1/2 cup of fresh chopped dill, the grated 1/2 shallot, and the 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for the sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and has a smooth, creamy consistency. The fresh dill and bright lemon zest will cut through the richness of the sour cream, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the baked salmon. You can taste and adjust the salt or lemon zest at this point if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Glazing and Baking the Salmon
Once the honey-garlic glaze is ready, carefully brush about two-thirds of it evenly over the seasoned salmon. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. Place the baking sheet with the salmon into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmgin extractis beginning to flake easily when tested with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet. It’s important not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.
Glazing Again and Infusing with Cranberries
After the initial baking period, carefully remove the salmon from the oven. Brush the remaining honey-garlic glaze over the top of the salmon. Now, it’s time to add the festive touch of cranberries. Scatter the 1 cup of dried cranberries evenly over the glazed salmon. Pour the 1 cup of hot orange juice around the sides of the salmon on the baking sheet, not directly over the fish. The hot orange juice will create steam in the oven, helping to keep the salmon moist and infusing it with a subtle citrus aroma as it finishes cooking. Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the cranberries are plumped and slightly softened.
Garnishing for a Stunning Presentation
Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist fish. To finish, sprinkle the toasted 1 cup of slivered almonds over the salmon for a delightful crunch. Finally, garnish generously with the 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Christmas Baked Salmon immediately, with the creamy dill sauce on the side for guests to add as they wish.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! Your very own Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe – Stunning & Easy Centerpiece. We hope this recipe has inspired you to create a beautiful and delicious focal point for your holiday table without the stress. The flaky, moist salmon, infused with fragrant herbs and bright citrus, is guaranteed to impress your guests.
For serving, this stunning salmon shines when presented whole. Consider pairing it with a medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, or a light and refreshing quinoa salad. A dollop of dill-infused yogurt or a simple lemon-butter sauce also complements its flavors beautifully.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap the fresh herbs for a blend of your favorites, perhaps rosemary and thyme. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the salmon before baking adds another dimension. If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
We encourage you to try this Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe – Stunning & Easy Centerpiece and make it your own. May your holidays be filled with joy, delicious food, and wonderful company!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don’t have a whole salmon? Can I use fillets for the Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe – Stunning & Easy Centerpiece?
Absolutely! While a whole salmon makes for a dramatic presentation, you can easily adapt this recipe for salmon fillets. Simply adjust the baking time as fillets cook faster. Keep an eye on them and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Arrange the fillets artfully on your baking dish.
Can I prepare any part of the Christmas Baked Salmon Recipe – Stunning & Easy Centerpiece ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the herb and citrus mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also wash and chop your vegetables for serving. This will significantly reduce your prep time on the day of your festive meal.
Easy Christmas Baked Salmon-Stunning Centerpiece
A stunning and easy baked salmon recipe perfect for a Christmas centerpiece. The salmon is glazed with honey and garlic, then finished with plumped cranberries and a fresh dill sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.2–1.5 kg side of salmon, skin on, bones removed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 150g unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 shallot, grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for the sauce)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup hot orange juice
- 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the salmon dry and place skin-side down on the baking sheet. -
Step 2
Season the salmon generously with 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. -
Step 3
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey and minced garlic. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. This is the honey-garlic glaze. -
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, dill, grated shallot, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt for the sauce. Stir until smooth. -
Step 5
Brush two-thirds of the honey-garlic glaze over the salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes until starting to flake. Brush with remaining glaze, scatter cranberries, and pour hot orange juice around the sides. Bake for another 5-8 minutes. -
Step 6
Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Serve with dill sauce on the side.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.