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Home > Articles > Festive Flavour: Salmon Takes Centre Stage on Christmas Menus!

Festive Flavour: Salmon Takes Centre Stage on Christmas Menus!

As the festive season approaches, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality operators are looking for ways to delight their customers with innovative and enjoyable seafood dishes. Salmon portions present a versatile option that can elevate Christmas menus while catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. Here’s how to incorporate salmon into your festive menus with a focus on flexibility, customer enjoyment, and creative serving methods.

One of the primary advantages of using salmon portions during the Christmas period is their incredible flexibility. They can be prepared in various styles, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring that your menu appeals to a wide audience.

Customer experience is at the heart of the hospitality sector, and presenting high-quality salmon can significantly enhance this. Salmon not only tastes delicious but also aligns with growing consumer preferences for flexitarian dining.

For traditionalists, serving poached salmon with dill sauce and seasonal vegetables can evoke classic festive flavours. For a modern twist, consider offering a teriyaki glazed salmon with sesame seeds, or a spicy Cajun salmon that adds a bit of warmth to the season.

Furthermore, salmon portions can be easily adjusted in size to suit different dining experiences. For a casual setting, smaller portions can be served as part of a tapas-style menu, encouraging guests to share and try multiple dishes. In more formal dining situations, larger portions can create an elegant main course that allows chef creativity to shine. 

Salmon has the ability to flex with flavours throughout the year. In the festive period serving suggestions like maple glazed, herb crusted or cranberry and orange salmon are winning combinations that take on the traditional rich flavours of the season.

Incorporating various preparation methods can also contribute to a more enjoyable experience. Grilled salmon with a crispy skin can satisfy those who appreciate texture, while a creamy salmon risotto can provide comfort on colder December days. Offering a smoked salmon appetiser with cream cheese and capers on festive bread can set a luxurious tone right from the start.

To elevate customer enjoyment further, consider pairing your salmon dishes with seasonal sides. Roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or vibrant salads infused with pomegranate and walnuts can complement the richness of salmon, creating a well-rounded meal that embodies the spirit of the season.

Presentation matters, especially during a festive gathering. Salmon portions can be served in various imaginative ways that intrigue and excite diners. For buffets or shared platters, consider a salmon grazing board featuring smoked, cured, and grilled options, complemented by dips, crackers, and fresh herbs. This not only adds an element of fun but encourages guests to mingle and interact.

Another innovative serving idea is to create a “build-your-own” salmon taco bar. Guests can choose from grilled salmon, toppings like mango salsa, avocado, spicy slaw, and various sauces, letting them curate their own festive treats. This level of interactivity will engage diners and make the meal memorable. Jewels of pomegranate seeds deliver the colour, upgrade the final look, and taste.

Incorporating salmon into your Christmas range allows you to create a menu that’s not only delicious but also flexible and engaging for your customers. By prioritising creativity and customer enjoyment, you can create a standout festive experience that keeps diners returning, not just for the festive season but throughout the year. Make this Christmas unforgettable by celebrating the delightful possibilities of salmon!

Contact your local representative for more information.

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