Beetroot & Maple Glazed Salmon November 30, 2023
I like to pass around this impressive starter before Christmas lunch, usually while presents are being opened. It’s great for parties, too. Needless to say, the salmon pairs perfectly with a glass of Champagne and it’s simpler to master than it looks. Serves 8–12 as a starter. Check out the original recipe here.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 x 1.2kg side sashimi-grade salmon, skin on
- 4 large beetroot (1kg), trimmed and coarsely grated
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- ⅓ cup (100g) rock salt
- 1 bunch dill (about 6 sprigs), chopped
- ½ cup (125ml) maple syrup
- baby rocket (arugula) leaves, to serve
- sourdough baguette, sliced to serve
HORSERADISH CREAM
- 1 cup (240g) crème fraîche
- 1½ tablespoons grated horseradish
- sea salt and cracked black pepper
METHOD
- Place the salmon, skin-side down, to fit snugly in a deep-sided non-reactive baking dish. Place the beetroot, brown sugar, fennel seeds, rock salt and dill in a large bowl and mix to combine. Pour the mixture over the salmon, ensuring the salmon is completely covered. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Turn the salmon over and re-cover with the beetroot mixture and plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a further 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 240°C (475°F). Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Remove the salmon from the dish, wipe off any excess beetroot mixture and place, skin-side down, on the tray. Place the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until reduced and syrupy. Brush the salmon with the maple glaze and place in the oven. Roast, brushing every 8 minutes with the glaze, for 20–25 minutes or until dark golden.
- To make the horseradish cream, place the crème fraîche, horseradish, salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix to combine.
- Place the salmon, pickled onion, horseradish cream and rocket on a platter and serve with the sourdough slices.
