Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon Recipe

Adam

Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon Recipe

This Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon is the perfect festive main dish — vibrant, juicy, sweet, citrusy, and beautifully glazed. The rich salmon pairs with a stunning holiday sauce made from pomegranate juice, fresh orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and warm winter spices. It bakes to tender perfection and becomes a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday dinners, Christmas Eve meals, and New Year celebrations. The colors are bright and cheerful, the flavors are sweet-tart and savory, and the whole dish looks like something straight from a holiday magazine — yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Salmon

2 lb salmon fillet
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 green onion chopped

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Holiday Glaze
2 cups pomegranate juice
¼ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
1 tbsp orange zest
¼ cup brown sugar
Orange slices for baking and serving
Pomegranate seeds for topping

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Small saucepan
Whisk
Knife & cutting board
Oven

Method

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Place the salmon fillet onto the tray and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened into a glossy glaze.

Step 5: Brush half of the glaze over the salmon.

Step 6: Arrange orange slices around or on top of the fish.

Step 7: Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes or until flaky but still tender.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and brush with more warm glaze.

Step 9: Top with pomegranate seeds and chopped green onion.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator

2–3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze up to 2 months (without glaze).

Reheat

Oven: 300°F for 8 minutes

Microwave: 20–30 seconds

🥄 Variations
⭐ Maple Pomegranate Salmon

Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup.

⭐ Spicy Holiday Salmon

Add chili flakes to the glaze.

⭐ Garlic Citrus Salmon

Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce.

⭐ Herb-Crusted Salmon

Add rosemary or thyme before baking.

⭐ One-Pan Salmon Dinner

Bake with potatoes, carrots, or asparagus.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes — thaw completely before cooking.

2. How do I know salmon is done?

It flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque.

3. Can I use bottled pomegranate juice?

Yes — any 100% juice works well.

4. What if my glaze is too thin?

Simmer longer until it thickens.

5. Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes — use 2–3 tbsp honey.

6. Can this be grilled instead of baked?

Yes — grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.

7. Can I prep the glaze ahead?

Yes — make it 2 days early and warm before using.

8. What sides go well with Christmas salmon?

Rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or salads.

9. Can I add herbs?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or mint all work.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — perfect for holiday crowds.

🏁 Conclusion

This Glazed Christmas Pomegranate Orange Salmon is a festive, colorful, and incredibly delicious holiday centerpiece. The sweet-tart glaze pairs perfectly with buttery salmon, creating a dish that is both elegant and simple. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress every guest at your Christmas or winter dinner table.