Baked Salmon with Clementine Glaze Recipe
Salmon is a versatile and flavorful fish that pairs wonderfully with various ingredients.
In this recipe, inspired by Jamie Oliver, we enhance its natural richness with a sweet and tangy clementine glaze.
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will elevate your dining experience.
Festive Clementine-Glazed Salmon: A Perfect Holiday Centerpiece
This oven-baked clementine-glazed salmon is a showstopping dish bursting with sweet, citrusy, and delicately tangy flavors.
Perfect for festive occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter dinner, this recipe brings elegance and vibrant taste to your holiday table.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate easy and healthy meal — ideal when you want something quick yet impressive.
The magic lies in the fusion of tender, oven-roasted salmon and the glossy glaze made from juicy clementines.
The result? A mouthwatering harmony of sweet and zesty notes that melt into the rich, flaky fish.
Serve it with a side of roasted root vegetables, a creamy potato gratin, or a fresh arugula and pomegranate salad for a festive pop of color.
For an extra touch, garnish with clementine slices and fresh herbs just before serving — it looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients for Baked Clementine-Glazed Salmon Recipe
To prepare this baked salmon with clementine glaze, you’ll need:
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets – Use fresh, skin-on fillets (adjust quantity based on number of guests). Skin helps retain moisture and adds flavor while roasting.
- Olive oil – A light coating of extra virgin olive oil keeps the salmon tender and promotes even browning.
- Salt – Use sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Freshly cracked black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 to 3 clementines – Thinly sliced with seeds removed; the amount may vary depending on their size. Choose ripe, juicy clementines for maximum sweetness.
- Fresh dill sprigs – Optional but highly recommended; adds a fresh, herbal note and makes the dish visually appealing.
For the Clementine Glaze:
- 120 ml clementine juice – Freshly squeezed juice is best for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor.
- 120 ml apple cider vinegar – Balances the sweetness of the juice and adds a subtle tangy kick.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Creates a rich, caramelized glaze that complements the salmon beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to round out the glaze’s flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Clementine-Glazed Baked Salmon
Follow these steps to create the perfect baked salmon with clementine glaze:
1. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, add the freshly squeezed clementine juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients, then place the pan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve.
- Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Continue simmering until the glaze has thickened slightly and reduced by about half. It should have a syrupy consistency that clings lightly to a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Set aside — this will be your flavor-packed finish for the salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
- Rinse the clementines under cool water and slice them into very thin rounds. Remove any seeds to prevent bitterness.
- Gently scrape the skin of the salmon with the back of a knife to eliminate any leftover scales. Keep the skin on — it acts as a natural barrier and helps lock in moisture.
- Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and rub it evenly over the surface.
- Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the fish’s natural richness.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in a baking dish or roasting pan that fits them comfortably without crowding.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Lay the thin clementine slices across the top of each salmon fillet, slightly overlapping for a beautiful presentation.
- Gently pour the prepared clementine glaze over the salmon and citrus slices, ensuring everything is well coated and glossy.
4. Bake the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the baking dish on the center rack and roast the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Halfway through cooking, baste the fish with the juices collecting in the dish to deepen flavor and keep it moist.
- If the clementine slices begin to brown too quickly, flip them gently with tongs to prevent burning.
5. Final Touch:
- Once the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, remove it from the oven.
- Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill for a burst of color and aroma.
- Drizzle with a spoonful of the remaining glaze from the pan to finish the dish with extra shine and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This baked salmon with clementine glaze pairs excellently with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, which complement the sweetness of the glaze.
- Quinoa or Wild Rice: Providing a hearty and nutritious base for the meal.
- Fresh Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the salmon.
Tips for Success
- Choosing Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin on for better flavor and moisture retention.
- Reducing the Glaze: Monitor the glaze closely to prevent it from over-reducing and becoming too thick or caramelized.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey slightly.
Other recipes to try
How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon with a Sweet Clementine Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon fillets adjust based on the number of servings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 to 3 clementines depending on size
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
For the Glaze:
- 120 ml clementine juice
- 120 ml apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a saucepan, combine the clementine juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze has reduced by half and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon:
- Rinse the clementines and slice them as thinly as possible. Remove any seeds.
- Scrape the salmon skin gently to remove any remaining scales, but do not remove the skin.
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in a baking dish large enough to fit them comfortably.
- Lay the clementine slices evenly on top of the salmon.
- Pour the prepared glaze over the fish and citrus slices.
- Roast the salmon in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Baste the salmon occasionally with the cooking juices during baking.
- If the clementine slices begin to brown too quickly, gently turn them over.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh dill sprigs and spoon over some of the remaining glaze from the dish.
