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With a sweet-tart aroma wafting through your kitchen and the vibrant colors dancing in your eyes, youβd never guess that this sensational dish is as easy as it gets. Cranberry orange glazed salmon is like a holiday celebration on a plate, ready to elevate your dinner table any night of the week. Imagine succulent fillets glistening under a luscious glaze that seems to sing with joy every time you take a bite.
Growing up, my family had a βfancyβ fish night where we pretended we were dining at a Michelin-star restaurantβcomplete with mismatched cutlery and tablecloths straight from the garage. Thatβs when I first tasted something like this cranberry orange glazed salmon. It was love at first forkful! Now, let me tell you why this recipe is destined to become your new go-to for those moments when you want to impress without losing your mind in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry orange glazed salmon is incredibly easy to whip up even on busy nights
- The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes every bite an explosion of joy
- Visually stunning with its glossy finish, itβs sure to impress guests at any gathering
- This dish is versatile enough for casual dinners or festive occasions alike
I once served this dish at a dinner party and watched jaws drop faster than my phoneβs battery life on 1%. It was the hit of the night!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed fillets are best; look for bright color without any grayish tones.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just ensure itβs not overly sweet.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze it fresh! The zest adds brightness that bottled juice canβt match.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness enhances the glaze; local honey packs more flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic brings depth; opt for fresh rather than powdered.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; donβt skip this step!
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, honey, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. The aroma will be irresistible!
Arrange the Salmon Fillets: Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil before generously spooning that gorgeous glaze over each piece.
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Youβll know itβs done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and smells heavenly.
Garnish and Serve!: Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for that professional touchβand get ready for compliments!
By following these simple steps, youβre not just creating a meal; youβre crafting an experience filled with deliciousness and warmthβperfect for sharing around the dinner table! Enjoy each delightful bite as it transports you back to those cherished moments around family mealsβminus any mismatched cutlery chaos!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry orange glazed salmon brings a burst of flavor to your table
- Its sweet and tangy glaze pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery salmon, creating a dish thatβs both impressive and easy to prepare
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon in the cranberry orange mixture while preheating your oven. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cranberries for pomegranate or add some chili flakes for a spicy twist. You can also try different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 300Β°F until heated through, preserving its flaky texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect glazing, brush on extra sauce during the last few minutes of baking for a glossy finish
- Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor
- If overcooked, salmon can become dry; aim for medium doneness
My first attempt at this recipe was a hit at our family dinner! My uncle declared it βthe best salmon he ever had,β which totally made my day!
FAQ
What is cranberry orange glazed salmon?
Cranberry orange glazed salmon is a sweet and tangy dish featuring fresh salmon coated with a flavorful glaze.
How long should I bake the salmon?
Bake the salmon at 375Β°F for about 15-20 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon; just ensure itβs fully thawed before cooking for even results.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cranberry Orange Glazed Salmon is a delectable dish that marries sweet and tangy flavors with succulent salmon fillets, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, honey, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the glaze.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and generously spoon the glaze over each fillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze while preheating the oven. - You can substitute cranberries with pomegranate or add chili flakes for a spicy twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently to maintain texture.