Cranberry Glazed Salmon Fillets (Printable version)
Oven-roasted salmon with a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze for a delicious main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salmon
01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cranberry Glaze
05 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
06 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
07 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 2 teaspoons orange zest
10 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish (Optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Orange slices
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Combine cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, orange juice, black pepper, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.
04 - Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Mash cranberries gently with the back of a spoon for a smoother texture. Remove from heat.
05 - Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of glaze for serving. Brush the remaining glaze generously over salmon fillets.
06 - Bake the salmon for 12 to 14 minutes until just cooked through and flaky.
07 - Remove from oven, drizzle with reserved glaze, and garnish with chopped parsley and orange slices if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This glaze transforms ordinary salmon into a bright, tangy treat that feels like a secret celebration on your plate
- I keep coming back because it’s quick, uses familiar ingredients, and impresses guests every time
02 -
- This glaze thickens best if you simmer long enough for cranberries to burst but don't let it get too dry or it won't spread nicely
- Using fresh orange zest is a game changer for brightness—don't skip it
03 -
- Use a light hand with salt before glazing; the glaze intensifies flavor so you can always add more at the end
- Brush the glaze in layers if you want a thicker coating that caramelizes a bit in the oven