Description
Christmas salmon with pomegranate glaze sparks festive magic on dinner plates, bringing Mediterranean flavors to holiday celebrations. Crimson pomegranate reduction creates elegant contrast against succulent salmon, offering you a delightful culinary experience that delights both eyes and palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) whole Atlantic salmon
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Garnish:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Orange slices
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Position the salmon with skin facing down on the prepared baking sheet, then generously season with salt and pepper to enhance the fish’s natural flavors.
- Create the pomegranate glaze by combining pomegranate juice, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the glaze mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically until the sauce transforms into a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Carefully brush the reduced pomegranate glaze evenly across the surface of the salmon, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Slide the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for 30-38 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to an elegant serving platter, creating a festive presentation by garnishing with fresh pomegranate seeds, vibrant orange slices, chopped parsley, and delicate green onion slivers.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is patted dry before seasoning to help the glaze adhere better and create a crispy exterior.
- Monitor the pomegranate glaze closely while reducing to prevent burning, stirring frequently for even caramelization.
- For a lower-sugar option, replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, which provide natural sweetness with fewer refined carbohydrates.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets will require less time in the oven to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-63 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg