Description
Festive Christmas salmon brings Nordic holiday traditions to your table with elegant simplicity. Scandinavian-inspired herbs and citrus notes elevate this delightful main course for seasonal celebrations you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 side of salmon (about 2 to 2.5 lbs / 0.9 to 1.1 kg), skin on
- 2 tbsps honey
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps fresh dill, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice, for drizzling
Instructions
- Glaze Preparation: Meld butter, garlic, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until seamlessly blended. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C), line baking sheet with foil, and lightly grease. Arrange salmon skin-side down, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Glazing and Wrapping: Drizzle honey butter mixture evenly across salmon, then carefully encase in foil to seal in moisture.
- Initial Roasting: Bake the sealed packet for 15 minutes, then unfurl foil to expose salmon’s surface.
- Caramelization: Elevate oven temperature to 425F (220C), continuing to roast for 10 minutes until salmon develops a golden, caramelized exterior and cooks through completely.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk sour cream, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper to craft a vibrant creamy accompaniment. Chill until serving.
- Festive Topping: Combine chopped cranberries, sliced almonds, and parsley in a mixing bowl to create a textural garnish.
- Plating and Finishing: Transfer salmon to serving platter, lavish with creamy dill sauce, and generously sprinkle holiday topping. Optionally adorn with pomegranate seeds and a whisper of lemon juice.
- Serving: Present warm or at room temperature, showcasing the dish’s intricate flavors and festive elegance.
Notes
- Prevent Salmon Dryness: Cover the salmon completely with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent overcooking, ensuring a tender and succulent texture.
- Glaze Application Technique: Brush the honey butter glaze evenly and generously, using gentle strokes to create a consistent caramelized coating that enhances flavor and appearance.
- Temperature Control Matters: Watch the salmon closely during the high-temperature second baking phase to achieve golden caramelization without burning, checking every few minutes.
- Sauce and Topping Balance: Create a harmonious blend of creamy dill sauce and crunchy cranberry-almond topping to provide contrasting textures and complementary flavors that elevate the dish’s complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg