Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberries: A Festive, Flavorful Centerpiece

This holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is the ultimate solution for a festive dinner that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Imagine a beautiful fillet of salmon, its skin crisped to perfection, topped with a glossy, ruby-red cranberry glaze that is both sweet and savory. The aroma alone, a blend of roasting salmon, tart cranberries, and warm spices, will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer. This dish is designed to be a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

Furthermore, this recipe masterfully balances rich, festive flavors with a healthy, lean protein. The vibrant cranberry sauce cuts through the natural fattiness of the salmon, creating a harmonious bite that is both luxurious and wholesome. Consequently, it is a perfect choice for holiday entertaining, a cozy family dinner, or even a special weeknight meal. The combination of colors, textures, and tastes makes this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Highlights

• Flavor Profile: This holiday glazed salmon with cranberries offers a dynamic taste experience. The initial sweetness of maple syrup and orange juice beautifully balances the tart pop of fresh cranberries. Meanwhile, savory notes from Dijon mustard and fresh herbs create a complex, sophisticated glaze that clings to the rich salmon.
• Texture: You will enjoy a delightful contrast in every bite. The salmon fillet cooks to a tender, flaky interior while the skin, if left on, becomes wonderfully crispy. The cranberry glaze adds a slightly chunky, jammy texture that provides a pleasant mouthfeel against the soft fish.
• Aroma: As it bakes, the kitchen fills with an irresistible festive scent. The tart cranberries mingle with the citrusy brightness of orange and the earthy warmth of rosemary and thyme. This aromatic blend is unmistakably holiday-focused and incredibly inviting.
• Visual Appeal: This dish is a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for a holiday table. The deep pink of the salmon provides a stunning canvas for the vibrant, jewel-toned crimson cranberry glaze. Garnished with fresh herbs and orange zest, its presentation is elegant and colorful.
• Skill Level Needed: This is an accessible recipe for most home cooks. The techniques involve simple pan-searing, making a quick stovetop sauce, and finishing in the oven. Therefore, even beginners can achieve a restaurant-quality result with minimal stress.
• Special Equipment: You only need basic kitchen tools. A reliable oven-safe skillet is essential for searing and baking. Otherwise, a saucepan for the glaze and a few basic utensils are all that is required to create this impressive meal.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: We classify this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries as easy. The steps are sequential and straightforward, involving fundamental cooking methods like searing and simmering. There is no complex knife work or advanced techniques, making it highly approachable for a weeknight yet elegant enough for company.
• Category: This dish fits perfectly into multiple meal categories. It is an outstanding main course for a holiday dinner or a special occasion. Additionally, it serves as a fantastic healthy dinner option any time of year, providing a balanced meal of protein, healthy fats, and fruit.
• Cuisine: While not tied to one specific tradition, this recipe draws inspiration from modern American holiday cooking and Pacific Northwest cuisine, which celebrates fresh salmon. The use of cranberries and maple syrup nods to North American seasonal ingredients, creating a festive fusion dish.
• Cost: Preparing this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is moderately priced. Salmon is the primary expense, but it offers excellent value as a nutrient-dense centerpiece. Fresh cranberries, herbs, and pantry staples like mustard and maple syrup keep the overall cost reasonable for a special meal.
• Season: This recipe is ideal for the fall and winter seasons, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fresh cranberries are readily available then. However, using frozen cranberries or other berry preserves allows you to enjoy this flavorful dish year-round.
• Occasion: It is supremely versatile for entertaining. Serve it as the star of your holiday feast, at a festive dinner party, or for a romantic date night at home. Its quick preparation also makes it suitable for a celebratory family Sunday supper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, the taste and texture of this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries are utterly captivating. The rich, oily salmon perfectly absorbs the sweet-tart glaze, creating a flavor bomb in every forkful. The cranberries burst with brightness, cutting through the richness, while herbs add an earthy depth. This combination ensures each bite is interesting and satisfying, far from a boring piece of fish. The contrast between the crispy skin and the tender, flaky flesh adds a delightful textural element that elevates the entire eating experience.

Next, consider the sheer convenience and preparation benefits. This entire meal comes together in about thirty minutes from start to finish. You can prepare the simple cranberry glaze while the salmon sears, making efficient use of your time. Moreover, the recipe uses mostly pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find, especially during the holiday season. For busy hosts, this means you can create an impressive, gourmet-looking dish without the all-day commitment typical of many holiday recipes.

From a nutritional standpoint, this dish is a powerhouse. Salmon is renowned for its high-quality protein and abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. By using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and fresh orange juice, you avoid refined sugars. Consequently, this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries allows you to indulge in festive flavors while nourishing your body with wholesome, beneficial ingredients.

Furthermore, the social and entertaining value of this recipe is immense. Its stunning visual appeal makes it a guaranteed conversation starter at any dinner table. It feels luxurious and special, showing your guests you went the extra mile. However, because it is so manageable to cook, you will not be exhausted or stressed when you sit down to eat. You can be a present and relaxed host, enjoying the party alongside your guests instead of being trapped in the kitchen.

Finally, this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is cost-effective and accessible. Compared to expensive cuts of beef or lamb often served for holidays, a salmon fillet provides an elegant protein at a more accessible price point. The accompanying sauce is made from affordable cranberries and basic condiments. This accessibility means you can serve a spectacular meal without blowing your holiday food budget, making it a smart choice for both large gatherings and intimate dinners.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The story of salmon as a celebratory food runs deep, particularly for coastal indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. For millennia, tribes revered salmon as a sacred, life-sustaining gift, holding First Salmon ceremonies to honor its return each year. While this specific recipe is a modern creation, it respectfully draws on that ancient tradition of honoring salmon as a special, central protein for communal feasts. Using a maple glaze also connects to Native American culinary history, as maple sap was a vital sweetener long before European contact.

Cranberries, too, hold a significant place in North American food history, especially around holidays. Native Americans used them for food, dye, and medicine, and they were likely part of early colonial harvest celebrations. The tart berry became inextricably linked to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners over centuries. Combining these two iconic North American ingredients—salmon and cranberries—in a holiday glazed salmon with cranberries creates a dish that feels both contemporary and rooted in the continent’s culinary heritage, a true fusion of history and modern taste.

The evolution of this recipe follows broader trends in modern home cooking. There has been a shift towards meals that are both healthy and impressive, that can be prepared quickly without sacrificing flavor. The technique of using a fruit-based glaze for salmon is a popular method to add moisture and complexity. This particular version, with its festive cranberry focus and holiday herb profile, represents the natural evolution of that technique for seasonal entertaining. It answers the demand for centerpiece dishes that are lighter than traditional ham or roast beef but equally celebratory.

Regional variations of glazed salmon abound, showcasing local ingredients. In the Pacific Northwest, a glaze might feature wild huckleberries or a reduction of local Pinot Noir. In New England, a similar recipe could use maple syrup and apples. The holiday glazed salmon with cranberries presented here is a versatile blueprint. You can easily adapt it based on what is local and fresh to you, substituting the cranberries for other tart fruits like pomegranate arils or cherries, thus creating your own regional twist on this festive classic.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Starting with the star, salmon is a nutritional champion. We recommend a center-cut fillet with the skin on for this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries. The skin helps protect the delicate flesh during the high-heat sear and becomes deliciously crispy. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support cardiovascular and cognitive health. It is also an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and potassium. When selecting salmon, look for firm flesh with a vibrant color and a clean, ocean-like smell. For the best flavor and texture, try to purchase wild-caught salmon when it is in season, though high-quality farmed salmon is a good year-round option.

Fresh cranberries are the other essential component, providing the signature tartness and vibrant color. These native North American berries are at their peak from October through December. They are famously rich in vitamin C and antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are linked to urinary tract health. When buying fresh cranberries for your holiday glazed salmon with cranberries, select berries that are firm, plump, and deep red in color; they should bounce when dropped. You can store them in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze them for up to a year without losing quality. If fresh are unavailable, frozen cranberries work perfectly in the sauce.

The sweet elements, maple syrup and orange juice, do more than just balance tartness. Pure maple syrup adds a complex, caramel-like sweetness with minerals like manganese and zinc. Always opt for 100% pure maple syrup over pancake syrup for its superior flavor and lack of artificial ingredients. The orange juice provides natural fructose and a bright acidity that lifts the entire sauce. Its vitamin C content also complements the cranberries. Together, they create a well-rounded sweetness that avoids being cloying, allowing the other flavors in your holiday glazed salmon with cranberries to shine through beautifully.

Finally, the aromatics and herbs build the foundational flavor. Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping to thicken the glaze while adding a sharp, tangy depth. Fresh rosemary and thyme impart earthy, piney notes that scream “holiday.” They are far superior to dried herbs in this fresh sauce. Minced garlic adds a necessary savory punch. Using fresh, high-quality herbs and a good Dijon will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your holiday glazed salmon with cranberries. If you must substitute dried herbs, use one-third the amount, as their flavor is more concentrated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Salmon: This is the most common pitfall. Salmon continues to cook after being removed from the oven. Therefore, you should pull it out when it is just slightly under your desired doneness. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and chalky, losing its luxurious texture.
• Not Searing the Skin Properly: If you leave the skin on, ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the fish. A proper sear requires patience; do not move the fillet for a few minutes. This process renders the fat and creates that essential crispy texture that contrasts with the tender flesh.
• Using Jarred Cranberry Sauce: While convenient, the canned jelly-like cranberry sauce is too sweet and lacks the fresh, tart pop needed for this glaze. The texture is also wrong. Always use fresh or frozen whole cranberries for the best flavor and consistency in your sauce.
• Neglecting to Reduce the Glaze: Simmering the cranberry mixture is crucial. This step concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce to a syrupy consistency that will coat the salmon. If you do not reduce it enough, the glaze will be thin and runny, failing to adhere to the fish.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the salmon rest for five minutes after baking is non-negotiable. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet. If you cut into it immediately, those precious juices will run out onto the plate, leaving the salmon drier.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If your salmon fillet is large or you are cooking multiple pieces, use a large skillet or cook in batches. Crowding the pan steams the fish instead of searing it, preventing the skin from crisping and leading to uneven cooking.
• Not Seasoning the Salmon: Do not forget to generously season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper before it hits the pan. Seasoning is the foundation of flavor. Salmon is a rich canvas that needs that basic seasoning to make the other flavors sing.
• Adding the Herbs Too Early: If you are using fresh herbs in the glaze, add them towards the end of the simmering time. Adding delicate herbs like thyme and rosemary too early can cause them to become bitter and lose their vibrant flavor during the extended cooking.

Essential Techniques

Pan-Searing for Crispy Skin: This technique is vital for creating textural contrast. Start with a dry salmon fillet; pat it thoroughly with paper towels. Heat your oven-safe skillet with oil until it shimmers. Place the salmon skin-side down and press gently for a few seconds to ensure full contact. Then, resist the urge to move it. Let it cook undisturbed for most of the searing time. The skin will contract and become golden and crispy. This method renders fat, adds flavor, and provides a protective layer for the flesh during baking.

Creating a Reduction Sauce: The cranberry glaze is a form of reduction sauce. You combine liquid ingredients—orange juice, maple syrup—with the cranberries and simmer. As the liquid evaporates, the flavors intensify and concentrate, and the natural pectin in the cranberries helps thicken the mixture. The key is to maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, which can break down the berries too much. You know it is ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when you run your finger through it. This technique transforms simple ingredients into a complex, restaurant-quality glaze for your holiday salmon.

Finishing in the Oven (Carryover Cooking): After searing, the salmon goes into a hot oven to finish cooking. This method ensures even doneness from the crispy skin to the top of the fillet. Understanding carryover cooking is crucial here. The salmon’s internal temperature will rise by 5 to 10 degrees after you remove it from the oven. Therefore, you should pull it out when the thickest part registers about 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. Letting it rest allows the residual heat to gently bring it to the perfect final temperature without overcooking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Glazed Salmon with Cranberries

Bring your salmon to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This simple step promotes even cooking from edge to center, preventing a raw middle and overcooked edges.

Use a fish spatula for flipping and serving. Its thin, flexible edge slides easily under the delicate fillet and crispy skin without tearing the beautiful presentation you worked hard to create.

For an extra glossy finish, add a final tablespoon of cold butter to the cranberry glaze after you take it off the heat. Swirl it in until melted; this emulsifies the sauce, giving it a richer mouthfeel and beautiful sheen.

If your cranberries are very tart, balance the glaze with a tiny pinch of salt. Salt is a flavor enhancer that can round out sharp acidity and make the sweet notes taste even sweeter.

To check doneness without a thermometer, use the flake test. Gently press the top of the salmon with a fork. It should flake apart easily but still look moist and slightly translucent in the very center.

For a more complex flavor, consider lightly toasting your fresh herbs in the dry pan for 30 seconds before adding the oil and salmon. This quick step wakes up their essential oils.

If you prefer skinless salmon, still sear the presentation side first. Get a nice golden crust on the flesh side before flipping, then add the glaze and transfer to the oven to finish.

Double the cranberry glaze recipe. It is delicious as a condiment for leftovers, served over cream cheese as an appetizer, or even as a sauce for roast chicken or pork later in the week.

Variations and Adaptations

For regional variations, consider the ingredients local to you. In the South, you might add a teaspoon of bourbon to the glaze. In the Southwest, incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for heat. A Pacific Northwest version could use marionberries or blackberries instead of cranberries. These simple swaps can tailor your holiday glazed salmon with cranberries to reflect your local flavor profile, making the dish uniquely yours while maintaining its festive spirit.

Seasonal adaptations are straightforward. While cranberries are perfect for fall and winter, try a spring version with a rhubarb and strawberry compote. In summer, a peach and ginger glaze would be fantastic. For a non-holiday version any time of year, use the same method with a lemon-dill butter sauce. The core technique of searing and glazing remains constant; you are simply rotating the supporting ingredients based on what is fresh and in season, keeping the recipe exciting throughout the year.

Dietary modifications are easily accommodated. For a Whole30 or sugar-free version, omit the maple syrup and use 100% orange juice, simmering longer to reduce and concentrate its natural sweetness. To make it gluten-free, ensure your Dijon mustard is certified GF, as some brands contain trace wheat. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the optional butter finish or use a plant-based alternative. The basic recipe for holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is already quite allergen-friendly, making it a great choice for diverse gatherings.

Serving and Presentation Guide

Plating this dish is part of the fun. Place the glazed salmon fillet on a large platter or individual plates. Spoon extra warm cranberry glaze generously over the top, allowing some to pool appealingly around the base. The vibrant red against the pink salmon is stunning. For a professional touch, use the back of a spoon to smear a bit of the sauce across the plate before setting the salmon down. This adds height and visual interest to your presentation of holiday glazed salmon with cranberries.

Garnishing is the final flourish. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme adds a pop of green. Microgreens are another elegant option. For a touch of brightness and color, add a few thin strips of orange zest right on top. You can also garnish with a few whole, fresh cranberries that have been briefly simmered in simple syrup to make them shiny and edible. These small details elevate the dish from homemade to chef-worthy without any extra work.

Choosing accompaniments is key. Since the salmon and glaze are rich and flavorful, pair them with simple, clean sides that provide contrast. Roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, or a wild rice pilaf are classic choices. For a lighter meal, a simple arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed green beans work beautifully. The goal is to choose sides that complement without competing with the star of the show—your beautifully prepared holiday glazed salmon with cranberries.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

Selecting the right wine enhances the entire meal. The rich fat of the salmon and the sweet-tart cranberry glaze call for a wine with good acidity to cut through. A Pinot Noir is a classic and excellent choice; its bright red fruit notes and earthy undertones mirror the cranberries and herbs. Alternatively, a dry Rosé with its berry flavors and crisp finish works wonderfully. For white wine lovers, an oak-aged Chardonnay with buttery notes can stand up to the dish, or a vibrant Riesling (not too sweet) can complement the fruitiness of the glaze beautifully.

For non-alcoholic pairings, consider options with complexity. Sparkling water with a twist of orange or a few muddled cranberries is refreshing. A tart cranberry spritzer made with unsweetened cranberry juice, club soda, and a splash of lime is thematic and delicious. Warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick also pairs nicely with the holiday flavors. The key is to offer a beverage that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich holiday glazed salmon with cranberries, whether it contains alcohol or not.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is essential for leftovers. Allow the cooked holiday glazed salmon with cranberries to cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days. Be aware that the crispy skin will soften upon refrigeration. The cranberry glaze can be stored separately in its own container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months, though the texture may become slightly drier upon thawing. For best results, freeze individual portions on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.

Reheating requires care to preserve moisture. The best method is to reheat salmon gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 275°F until just warmed through, which usually takes about 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave at 50% power in short bursts, but this risks overcooking. Consider flaking cold leftover salmon into salads or pasta for a delicious next-day lunch without reheating. The cranberry glaze reheats beautifully in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice if it has thickened too much.

Make Ahead Strategies

You can significantly streamline your dinner preparation with smart make-ahead steps. The cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving, adding a little water or juice to loosen it if needed. You can also measure out your dry seasonings and chop your herbs a day ahead. Store them in small containers so everything is ready to go. This advance work turns the active cooking time for your holiday glazed salmon with cranberries into a quick, 20-minute process.

For the salmon itself, pat the fillets dry, season them lightly, and place them on a plate covered loosely in the refrigerator up to 4 hours before cooking. Bringing them to room temperature before searing is still important. Do not apply the glaze until you are ready to cook, as the acidity can start to “cook” the surface of the fish (ceviche-style) if left on too long. With the sauce pre-made and ingredients prepped, you can sear and bake the salmon just before your guests arrive, ensuring a hot, fresh, and perfectly cooked centerpiece.

Scaling Instructions

This recipe scales beautifully for different group sizes. For a larger gathering, simply multiply the ingredients proportionally. The main consideration is your cooking vessel. You may need to sear the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, then transfer all pieces to a large baking sheet to finish in the oven together. Keep a close eye on the cooking time; a thicker crowd of salmon in the oven may require a few extra minutes. Conversely, to halve the recipe for two people, use a smaller skillet and reduce the simmering time for the glaze slightly, as a smaller volume will reduce faster.

When scaling the cranberry glaze, note that a larger batch may take a few minutes longer to reduce and thicken. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly. For very large batches, consider using two skillets or a wide Dutch oven to ensure even reduction. The beauty of this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is its flexibility, making it equally suitable for an intimate dinner for two or the centerpiece of a holiday feast for twelve with careful planning.

Nutritional Deep Dive

This dish is a nutritional powerhouse. A single serving provides a substantial amount of high-quality, complete protein from the salmon, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in salmon are renowned for reducing inflammation, supporting brain health, and promoting cardiovascular function. The cranberries contribute a significant dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress. Using maple syrup as the primary sweetener adds minerals like manganese and zinc in trace amounts, compared to the empty calories of refined sugar.

From a macronutrient perspective, the meal is balanced, offering healthy fats, lean protein, and carbohydrates primarily from the fruit-based glaze. It is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially if you serve it with non-starchy vegetable sides. This makes it suitable for various eating patterns. The fiber from the whole cranberries aids digestion. Overall, the holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is a meal that supports wellness, proving that holiday food can be both indulgent in flavor and beneficial for your body.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, simply confirm your Dijon mustard is gluten-free, as some brands use a wheat-based vinegar. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free adaptation, omit the optional butter finish at the end of the glaze; the dish is still rich and flavorful without it. To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, reduce the amount of maple syrup significantly or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol, and be mindful of the carb count in the cranberries, potentially using a smaller quantity.

A vegan adaptation requires a complete protein swap. While you cannot make salmon vegan, you can apply the same incredible cranberry glaze to a firm, pan-seared tofu block or a thick slice of roasted cauliflower steak. The cooking method would be similar: get a good sear on the plant-based protein, then brush with the glaze and finish in the oven. The flavorful, festive cranberry sauce is so versatile that it can elevate many different main ingredients, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a version of this holiday dish.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your salmon is sticking to the pan, the pan likely was not hot enough, or you tried to move the fish too soon. Ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the salmon, and let it sear undisturbed to form a natural release. If the skin tears, do not worry; the glaze will cover most imperfections. If the glaze is too thin, continue simmering it over medium heat to evaporate more liquid. If it is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water, orange juice, or broth until it reaches a pourable consistency.

If the salmon tastes bland, you probably underseasoned it. Remember to salt and pepper both sides generously before cooking. You can also add a pinch of salt directly to the cranberry glaze to enhance all its flavors. If the cranberries are not bursting, they may be old or under-ripe. Ensure you are using fresh, plump berries and simmer the sauce until you hear them pop open. Most issues with holiday glazed salmon with cranberries have simple fixes, so do not be discouraged by a minor hiccup.

Recipe Success Stories

Home cooks consistently rave about this recipe’s reliability and “wow” factor. Many report that it has become their go-to holiday entrée, replacing more traditional, heavier options. One reader shared that she made it for a Christmas Eve dinner with skeptical family members who typically prefer steak, and it was the first dish to disappear. Another home cook loves that her kids enjoy it because the sweet glaze makes the healthy salmon appealing. The common thread in success stories is surprise—surprise at how easy it is, and surprise at the professional-looking and tasting result.

Photographers love this dish for its vibrant, photogenic qualities. The contrast between the pink salmon and red glaze makes for stunning food photography. Tips from pros include using natural side lighting to highlight the glaze’s gloss and garnishing with fresh herbs just before shooting to keep them vibrant. Many have found success pairing it with rustic, textured plates and simple linen napkins for a cozy holiday feel. The visual appeal of holiday glazed salmon with cranberries is a major part of its charm, both on the table and in photos shared with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

If you loved this holiday glazed salmon with cranberries, explore other festive main course ideas on our site. We have a beautiful herb-crusted pork tenderloin with apple chutney and a stunning pomegranate molasses glazed chicken that follow a similar elegant-yet-easy philosophy. For more salmon inspiration, check out our recipes for cedar-plank salmon or miso-glazed salmon. Mastering the pan-sear and oven-finish technique used here opens the door to countless quick and impressive weeknight dinners.

To deepen your kitchen skills, read our detailed guides on selecting the best fresh fish at the market, the science of achieving a perfect sear, and how to properly use and care for cast iron or stainless steel skillets. Understanding these fundamentals will make you more confident and successful with this recipe and many others. We also have a comprehensive seasonal produce guide to help you choose the best fruits and vegetables all year round, inspiring you to create new variations of your favorite dishes.

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