Maple Glazed Salmon
This Maple Glazed Salmon is a simple oven-baked dinner made with tender salmon fillets and a lightly sweet, savory glaze. Maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and fresh garlic create balanced flavor without overpowering the fish.
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A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Maple Glazed Salmon
🕒 Ready In: ~20 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~360 calories (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Salmon fillets, maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard
📖 Dietary Info: Dairy-free; high-protein; gluten-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - quick glaze, fast oven bake
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Unlike heavier maple salmon recipes, this version bakes quickly and keeps the glaze light so the salmon stays flaky and moist. A short bake time and parchment-lined pan make it easy and dependable, even on busy weeknights.
This maple glazed salmon works well as a main dish with minimal sides. Serve it with Asparagus Casserole, rice, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Why You'll Love this Maple Glazed Salmon:
Quick and reliable: This salmon bakes in under 15 minutes, making it an easy option for busy weeknights.
Balanced flavor: The maple glaze adds just enough sweetness while Dijon, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger keep it savory and well-rounded.
Moist and flaky every time: A short bake time and simple glaze help prevent the salmon from drying out.
Minimal ingredients: Everything comes together with pantry staples-no specialty sauces or complicated steps.
Easy to pair: This salmon works well with rice, vegetables, or salads, making it simple to build a complete meal.
Key Ingredients:
- salmon fillets. Rich, flaky salmon cooks quickly and absorbs the maple glaze well, making it ideal for baking.
- maple syrup. Adds natural sweetness and helps create a light glaze as the salmon bakes.
- soy sauce. Balances the sweetness with savory depth and umami flavor.
- dijon mustard. Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the glaze so it coats the salmon evenly.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the glaze gluten-free.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup: Honey works well as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly less caramel-like.
- Skip the ginger: If you prefer a simpler flavor, omit the fresh ginger and keep the glaze garlic-forward.
- Add a little heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha can add gentle spice.
- Try a different cooking method: This glaze also works well on salmon cooked in a skillet or on the grill.
How to Make Maple Glazed Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the parchment paper and brush evenly with the glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Pat the salmon dry: Removing excess moisture helps the glaze stick and promotes even cooking.
- Watch the bake time closely: Salmon cooks quickly; remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily to avoid dryness.
- Use parchment paper: Lining the pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Brush generously: Coating the salmon evenly with glaze ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the salmon to rest for a minute or two after baking so the juices redistribute.
- Serving Suggestions: We love serving this salmon with Strawberry Spinach Salad and Twice Baked Potatoes.
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store the cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag, and use within 1 month for optimal quality.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out the fish.
Maple Glazed Salmon FAQs:
Most salmon fillets bake in 12-15 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Absolutely-broiling for the last 2-3 minutes can help achieve a beautifully caramelized finish. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Avoid over baking and remove the salmon from the oven as soon as it flakes. Using parchment paper and brushing the glaze evenly also helps retain moisture.
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Maple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the parchment paper and brush evenly with the glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition
Notes
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- Glaze Brush-Up: Brush the salmon with additional glaze halfway through baking for an even more caramelized finish.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon cooks quickly. Start checking at 12 minutes by gently flaking the thickest part with a fork. The fish should be opaque and flake easily.
- Optional Broiling: For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the glaze.
- Grilling Alternative: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon over medium-high heat. Brush the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid flare-ups.
- Garnishing Ideas: A light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a squeeze of fresh lime can brighten the flavors even more just before serving.