Thanksgiving is just the beginning of the crazy holiday season. Between cooking all day, Black Friday shopping and watching the parades, it’s incredibly easy to get overwhelmed and take advantage of your time with family and friends. If you have family staying with you or you’re hosting dinner, we know it can be hectic. This year, try something to lighten your load… Thanksgiving Salmon. Although it might not be crazy traditional, tell your guests this year you are trying something new! This salmon feast is so much easier to prepare than a two-day turkey fiasco and fits in way better with a Florida Thanksgiving on the beach or in warm weather.

 

Preparing the Salmon

 

Instead of a turkey this year, all you need is a wild Alaskan sockeye salmon fillet, black pepper, a lemon, a touch of sea salt, 1-2 tbsp of dried parsley and 6 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil. Prepare the salmon by spreading half of the olive oil in the bottom of a baking dish then add the fillet rubbed with the remaining olive oil. Add the juice of the lemon, pepper, salt and dried parsley. Leave the lemon slices on top of the fillet. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove once it’s almost fully-cooked (the salmon will continue to cook inside for a few minutes after removed from the oven). This year, your Thanksgiving entrée will take half an hour instead of a day and a half. We have no doubt you’ll love how simple and easy the big meal will be this year, and your guests will love that you did something different!

 

Side Dishes

 

Salmon and gravy don’t really go together as well as turkey and gravy, so you may need to rethink some of your sides to go with your Thanksgiving salmon. Serve your salmon with long grain brown rice or wild rice. It’ll only take a few minutes to cook and will pair nicely. Serve the salmon on top of the rice with the lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a great presentation.

Grilled asparagus and roasted brussel sprouts are also a great side dish for your salmon.

 

If you’re dining outside or near the water, it’s a great idea to relax and enjoy some drinks with your guests while grilling asparagus or other items for your holiday menu

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Just to keep a little bit of tradition, make a sweet potato casserole for dessert. Boil 2 and ½ pounds of peeled sweet potatoes then mash with ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of butter, 1 and ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of vanilla extract. Once mashed, mix in ¼ cup of pecans then add to an 11 x 17 baking dish. Top with another ¼ cup of pecans, 2 cups of mini marshmallows and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

 

Although it may be less than traditional, a Thanksgiving Salmon Feast is way more fit for the Florida holiday season. If you’re really not into a traditional Thanksgiving or simply prefer someone else does the cooking, make your reservation at Marker 32 to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Our Wood Grilled Atlantic Salmon or our Grilled Lamb Chops make for a great Thanksgiving meal, or just a normal Thursday dinner. We can’t wait to see you this season!