Name: Cranberry Orange Salmon with Caramelized Onions & Almonds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange); Zest of 1 orange; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted; Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Description

This elegant yet easy salmon dish features a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze, caramelized onions, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for a festive dinner or a special weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and sliced red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Place salmon fillets on prepared baking sheet. Spread a spoonful of cranberry-orange glaze over each fillet. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature of 145°F for medium).
To serve, place caramelized onions on a platter or individual plates. Top with salmon fillets, drizzle with remaining glaze, and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

For a sugar-free option, use maple syrup instead of honey. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw. To toast almonds, place in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 32 g