Holiday Recipes from Haida Gwaii Safaris

Celebrate the Holidays with Fresh-Caught Salmon & Halibut from Haida Gwaii Safaris

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious meals. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal made from the fresh salmon and halibut caught during your Haida Gwaii Safaris adventure. Here are some festive recipes to make your catches the centerpiece of your holiday table.

Holiday Salmon Recipes

1. Maple-Glazed Salmon

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
3. Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze generously over each fillet.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
6. Serve with roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad.

2. Cedar-Plank Salmon

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for 1 hour)
• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill for 3–5 minutes until it begins to smoke.
3. Place salmon fillets on the plank, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with lemon slices and dill.
4. Cover grill and cook 15–20 minutes, until salmon is flaky.
5. Serve immediately for a smoky, aromatic holiday main.

3. Salmon Chowder

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into cubes
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat until translucent.
3. Add potatoes and stock, simmer 10–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in salmon, corn, and cream; simmer another 5–7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, top with cooked bacon and parsley.

Holiday Halibut Recipes

1. Herb-Crusted Halibut

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 halibut fillets (6 oz each)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush halibut fillets with olive oil and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

2. Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon Butter

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 halibut fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season halibut with salt and pepper, then sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
3. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant; stir in lemon juice.
4. Drizzle lemon butter over halibut and garnish with parsley.

3. Halibut Tacos

Ingredients (serves 4, 2 tacos each):

• 1 lb halibut fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup sour cream or crema
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Season halibut with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Pan-sear for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas and layer with halibut, cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream.
4. Serve with lime wedges for a festive, casual holiday meal.

Tips for Preserving Your Catch

• Haida Gwaii Safaris offers custom fish packaging, so your fresh-caught salmon and halibut can travel safely home.
• Proper storage ensures your holiday recipes taste as fresh as the day you caught your fish.

Make Your Holiday Meal Unforgettable

From the pristine waters of Haida Gwaii to your holiday table, your trip doesn’t have to end when you leave the lodge. Celebrate your adventure with these recipes, and make your holidays truly special.