Christmas Salmon Recipe

This Christmas Salmon recipe is festive, elegant, and full of flavor! Perfect for a holiday dinner or Christmas gathering, the salmon is seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and a delicious glaze that gives it a beautifully rich flavor, perfect for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off (your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 lemon, sliced into wedges

For the Honey Mustard Glaze:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

For Garnish (optional):

Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Extra lemon wedges

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Rub the seasoning into the salmon to coat it evenly.
- Arrange lemon wedges around the salmon on the baking sheet.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, and soy sauce (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Brush the honey mustard glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet, reserving a little for serving later if desired.
Bake the Salmon:
- Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze will caramelize slightly during baking.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the salmon from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or dill. Serve with extra lemon wedges and drizzle the reserved glaze over the top for added flavor.
Enjoy!
Serve your Christmas Salmon with your favorite holiday sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Tips:

Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For a slightly less cooked center, aim for 125°F (52°C).
Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a tangier glaze, add a little more vinegar or a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Salmon with Skin On: If you prefer your salmon with the skin on, it will help hold the fillet together while baking and give a crisp texture on the skin side. Just bake it skin-side down.