Christmas Baked Salmon is an elegant yet simple dish that’s perfect for your holiday table. With its vibrant citrus, fresh herbs, and tender salmon, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your guests. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the festivities while still serving a flavorful, festive meal.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (700g) salmon fillet, skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 orange, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet.
Season the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then rub the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the fillet. Generously season with salt and pepper.
Add Citrus Slices: Arrange thin slices of orange on top of the salmon for a festive and refreshing flavor.
Seal the Packet: Fold the parchment or foil over the salmon, sealing it into a packet to trap in the flavors and moisture.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, open the packet, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve the salmon directly from the baking sheet with the orange slices still intact for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, festive touch.
Side Dishes: Pair the salmon with holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or a fresh winter salad to balance the citrus flavors.
Sauce Option: If desired, serve with a light lemon butter sauce or a dill yogurt sauce to complement the salmon’s flavors.
Temperature: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the salmon is completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing: If you wish to store the salmon for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the salmon, gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave on low heat for short intervals to prevent overcooking. Avoid high heat to maintain the salmon’s delicate texture.
Using Leftovers: Leftover salmon can be flaked and added to salads, pasta dishes, or used in sandwiches for a quick, delicious meal.
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FAQs:
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to fully thaw it before baking. Thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag in cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat the fillet dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the salmon a day ahead. After baking, allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to preserve the texture and flavor.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have rosemary or thyme?
If you don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand, other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil work well. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the amount to about half of what’s listed in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer— it should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender.
Conclusion:
This festive baked salmon is a showstopper for any holiday table. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Its citrus-herb blend pairs wonderfully with seasonal sides, and the make-ahead option adds convenience to your Christmas celebrations.
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Christmas Baked Salmon is a simple yet elegant holiday dish that’s perfect for festive gatherings. This flavorful recipe combines citrus, fresh herbs, and garlic, making it an easy make-ahead meal that pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday sides. Perfect for a stress-free Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (700g) salmon fillet, skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 orange, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillet on a large piece of parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then rub the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice over the fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange orange slices on top of the salmon.
- Fold the parchment or foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven, open the packet, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the baked salmon once cooled and reheat gently before serving.
Leftover salmon can be flaked and added to salads or pasta dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
