Cranberry Salmon is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines the rich flavor of salmon with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Timing
Making Cranberry Salmon takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
- Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer: Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear Salmon: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Add Sauce: Carefully spoon some of the cranberry sauce over the salmon fillets.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
- Transfer to Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate and Garnish: Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle with any remaining cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cranberry Salmon (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Tips for Customization
- Add Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Spice Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in the cranberry sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Cranberry Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Cranberry Salmon is a flavorful and visually appealing dish that brings together the rich taste of salmon with the sweet and tart notes of cranberries. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to delight your family and guests!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! If using frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cranberry Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • 1 tablespoon olive oil
- • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- • 1/2 cup orange juice
- • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
- • Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for about 3–4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Carefully spoon some of the cranberry sauce over the salmon fillets.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle with any remaining cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
