Pomegranate Glazed Salmon
A stunning dish where rich, flaky salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and lacquered with a sticky, sweet-tart pomegranate glaze. The vibrant ruby glaze balances the fish's natural oils perfectly. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a weeknight.
For 4 servings
- prep
Pat the salmon dry and season.
1.Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking.2.Pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels — moisture prevents crisping.3.Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.4.Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the flesh side.TIPRoom-temperature fish sears better and sticks less. Cold salmon right out of the fridge is guaranteed to stick. - simmer · ~10 min
Make the pomegranate glaze.
1.Combine pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan.2.Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.3.Cook until the mixture reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon, about 8–10 minutes.4.The glaze is ready when it's thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.TIPDon't rush the reduction — low and slow concentrates the sweetness and tang. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. - fry · ~8 min
Sear the salmon fillets.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.2.Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet, ensuring the pan is not crowded.3.Press each fillet gently with a spatula for 10 seconds so the skin makes full contact.4.Sear without moving for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.5.Flip carefully and cook the flesh side for another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness.TIPThe salmon should reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for moist, flaky perfection. Carryover cooking will take it to medium. - assemble · ~1 min
Glaze the salmon.
1.Reduce the heat to low and return skin-side down orientation.2.Spoon the reduced pomegranate glaze generously over each fillet.3.Baste continuously for 30–60 seconds, letting the glaze coat and caramelize lightly.4.The glaze will thicken into a shiny, sticky lacquer on the fish. - serve
Plate and garnish.
1.Transfer glazed salmon to serving plates, skin-side down.2.Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.3.Scatter fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley over each fillet.4.Serve immediately with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a simple green salad.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the salmon thoroughly dry before searing to ensure a crispy skin and prevent sticking.
- 2Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even searing.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a hot, even sear.
- 4Use a fish spatula to flip the fillets gently, keeping the delicate skin intact.
- 5For the glaze, simmer on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning as it thickens.
- 6If the glaze becomes too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it.
- 7Make the glaze up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Citrus twist
Replace balsamic vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add 1 tsp of orange zest to the glaze for a brighter, citrus-forward version that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
maple balsamicMaple-balsamic
Substitute the honey with pure maple syrup and use a dark balsamic vinegar for a deeper, more robust flavor profile that complements the salmon's richness.
spicy pomegranateSpicy pomegranate
Add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes or a small minced Thai chili to the glaze while reducing for a subtle heat that balances the sweet-tart notes.
herb crustedHerb-crusted
Before searing, press 2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh dill or chives onto the flesh side of the salmon for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
low sugarLow-sugar
Reduce honey to 1 tbsp and add 1 tbsp of monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to keep the glaze low in sugar while retaining its sticky consistency.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Salmon is one of the best sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support heart and brain health.
High-Quality Protein
Each fillet provides about 30 grams of complete protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Antioxidant-Rich Glaze
Pomegranate juice and seeds are packed with polyphenol antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Low in Saturated Fat
This dish uses heart-healthy olive oil and lean protein, making it a waistline-friendly meal.
Natural Sweetness
The honey and pomegranate juice provide sweetness without refined sugars, making it a cleaner indulgence.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cooking to achieve a crispy sear.
