This Maple Glazed Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The sweet maple glaze balances perfectly with savory seasonings, creating tender, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth. It’s simple to prepare, healthy, and impressive on the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly.
- Quick and easy for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and packed with omega-3s.
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort.
- Pair it with a variety of sides for a full meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the maple glaze.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate salmon for 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
- Swap maple syrup with honey or agave for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or quinoa for a full meal.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: While cooked salmon can be frozen, it’s best to freeze raw fillets with glaze, up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with roasted asparagus or green beans.
- Pair with mashed sweet potatoes or wild rice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Enjoy with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sear salmon in a skillet over medium heat, then pour glaze over and cook until caramelized and cooked through.
Is maple syrup the only sweetener that works?
No, honey, agave, or brown sugar can also create a sweet glaze.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely before baking for best results.
How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Check for flakiness and opaque flesh; remove from oven slightly before it looks done, as it will continue to cook from residual heat.
Ready to Try It?
This Maple Glazed Salmon is tender, sweet, and savory — a perfect combination for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal. Save this recipe, pin it for later, or share it with a friend. It’s simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious — the kind of dish you’ll want on repeat.
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Maple Glazed Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender maple glazed salmon fillets with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant meals.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the maple glaze.
4. Bake 12–15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for caramelized finish.
6. Remove from oven, drizzle with remaining glaze, garnish with parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
– Marinate salmon 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
– Swap maple syrup with honey or agave if desired.
– Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra texture.
– Ready to try it? Sweet, savory, and tender salmon perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg