Description
Festive Scandinavian Salmon brings holiday magic to your table with its elegant blend of traditional Nordic flavors. Rich herb-crusted salmon promises a delightful centerpiece that invites everyone to savor winter’s most memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 side of salmon (about 2 to 2.5 pounds / 0.9 to 1.1 kilograms), skin on
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice, for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft a tantalizing honey butter glaze by gently melting butter with minced garlic and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and unified. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with a light grease coating. Position the salmon skin-side down and generously season with salt and black pepper.
- Cascade the prepared honey butter glaze over the salmon, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Envelop the salmon in the foil, creating a sealed packet that will help retain moisture during cooking.
- Bake the sealed salmon for 15 minutes, then carefully unfurl the foil to expose the top.
- Intensify the oven temperature to 425F (220C) and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes until the salmon achieves a golden caramelized exterior and is thoroughly cooked.
- While the salmon roasts, whisk together sour cream, fresh lemon zest, finely chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a vibrant creamy sauce. Refrigerate until serving.
- Prepare a festive topping by combining chopped cranberries, sliced almonds, and freshly chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked salmon to an elegant serving platter and lavish it with the creamy dill sauce.
- Sprinkle the holiday topping generously over the sauce, adding texture and color.
- Optional final flourish: garnish with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and a delicate drizzle of fresh lemon juice.
- Serve the salmon warm or at room temperature, ready to impress guests with its complex flavors and festive presentation.
Notes
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly glaze that maintains the sweet caramelization and adds depth of flavor.
- Use fresh salmon within 1-2 days of purchase for maximum freshness, looking for bright, firm flesh with a mild ocean scent.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy edges and better glaze absorption, preventing soggy texture during baking.
- Create dairy-free sauce by replacing sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a lighter, equally creamy alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg