Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience: a perfectly seared salmon fillet glazed with a tantalizing cranberry ginger mustard sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This American-inspired recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your home cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks elegant, tastes extraordinary, and is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth, consistent sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crisp and golden brown.
- Gently flip salmon fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fish reaches desired internal temperature of 145°F (medium).
- Remove salmon from skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle prepared cranberry ginger mustard sauce over salmon fillets just before serving.
- Garnish with optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let salmon come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent overcooking.
- Moisture Management: Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cooking. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevents steaming.
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk the cranberry ginger mustard sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Heat Control: Use medium-high heat and a non-stick skillet to get that perfect crispy skin without burning.
- Doneness Check: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, moist salmon. Use a meat thermometer if possible.
- Resting Period: Always let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only add color but also provide a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 56mg
