Easy Baked Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Easy baked maple glazed salmon fillets on a parchment-lined sheet pan, coated in a shiny maple soy Dijon glaze with lemon wedges and fresh herbs

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This easy baked maple glazed salmon recipe delivers incredible sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender, flaky salmon coated in a sticky, irresistible glaze made from just a few simple ingredients. It’s a healthy, quick-prep meal perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to master this delicious salmon dish with our simple, step-by-step guide.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Baked Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this impressive yet simple salmon dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even entertaining guests.

Simple & Fast: This maple glazed salmon recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, ideal for a quick family meal.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet maple and savory soy blend perfectly with a hint of tang from Dijon.
Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is packed with protein and beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. Research from health experts highlights that beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are essential for heart and brain health.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooked on a single sheet pan, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
Kid-Friendly: The sweet glaze makes this fish approachable and delicious for all ages.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Salmon

Creating this mouthwatering maple glazed salmon requires just a handful of fresh ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building the amazing flavor.

Salmon Fillets: 4 fillets, about 1 pound total. Opt for skin-on or skinless.
Pure Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup. Essential for that distinct sweetness and sticky texture.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Adds a savory, umami depth without excessive saltiness.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
Fresh Minced Garlic: 2 cloves. Infuses a pungent, aromatic base.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste. Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.

Notes & Substitutions

Salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Sockeye, Coho, or Atlantic salmon all work wonderfully. Aim for fillets of similar thickness for even cooking. You can keep the skin on for extra flavor and easier handling.
Maple Syrup: Always use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The flavor difference is significant and crucial for this recipe. Understanding the differences between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup can significantly impact the dish’s quality.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, easily substitute tamari. Coconut aminos also work for a soy-free alternative.
Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, a stone-ground mustard can be used, but Dijon offers the best balance.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. In a pinch, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted.
Optional Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze. A pinch of red pepper flakes offers a subtle heat.

Essential Equipment

You only need a few basic cooking tools to prepare this fantastic baked salmon dish. These items ensure a smooth and successful cooking experience.

Baking Sheet: A standard large baking sheet will hold all four salmon fillets.
Parchment Paper: Crucial for non-stick cooking and super easy cleanup.
Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk together your delectable maple glaze.
Wire Whisk: For smoothly combining all the glaze ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional): Helps confirm the salmon is perfectly cooked.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Maple Glazed Salmon

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect maple glazed salmon dish. You’ll be amazed at how easily this restaurant-quality meal comes together in your own kitchen.

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. This step is key for preventing sticking.
Whisk the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful base of your maple glazed salmon.
Prepare the Salmon: Gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better and promotes a nice sear. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
First Glaze Application: Place the seasoned salmon fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush about one-third of the whisked maple glaze evenly over the top of each fillet. Make sure to reserve the remaining glaze for later.
Bake and Baste: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes. After the first 10 minutes of baking, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush another third of the reserved glaze over the salmon. Return to the oven to finish baking.
Final Glaze and Rest: Once the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C), remove it from the oven. Drizzle or brush the remaining glaze over the top of the hot salmon fillets. Let the salmon rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender fish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Salmon

Achieving consistently delicious results with your maple glazed salmon is simple with a few expert tricks. These tips will help you bake a perfect batch every time.

Avoid Overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Watch for it to flake easily with a fork or use an instant-read thermometer for precision.
Crispy Glaze Finish: For an extra caramelized and slightly crispy top, briefly broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Even Fillet Thickness: Ensure your salmon fillets are roughly the same thickness. This guarantees uniform cooking and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others are undercooked.
Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup incredibly easy, especially with a sticky glaze. The parchment paper also helps prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
Troubleshooting Glaze: If your glaze seems too thin or runny, you can gently reduce it in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly before applying.
Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or dill right before serving adds brightness and a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile maple glazed salmon recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and is easy to store. You can also customize its flavors to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa soaks up the extra glaze perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting pairing with the tender salmon.
Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of cooked salmon for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat Gently: Reheat salmon gently in a preheated oven (around 275°F/135°C) until just warmed through to prevent drying it out. A microwave can also be used on a low power setting.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
Citrus Brightness: Incorporate fresh lemon or orange zest into the glaze for a zesty aroma and flavor.
Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with different fresh herbs like chopped dill, cilantro, or chives mixed into the glaze or sprinkled on top.
Other Fish: This versatile maple glaze works wonderfully on other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or even thick-cut swordfish steaks.

Maple Glazed Salmon Nutrition

This maple glazed salmon is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein and essential healthy fats. Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. Enjoy a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor!

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This information is provided for general guidance and not as medical advice.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	308 kcal
Carbohydrates	15 g
Protein	35 g
Fat	11 g
Cholesterol	94 mg
Sodium	872 mg
Fiber	0.3 g
Sugar	12 g
Vitamin C	0.5 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my salmon is done cooking?
Your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I eat salmon skin?
Yes, salmon skin is safe and often delicious to eat! When baked until crispy, it adds a lovely texture and extra nutrients to your maple glazed salmon.

How long does maple glazed salmon last?
Cooked maple glazed salmon will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 months for longer storage.

Is this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the glaze.

Conclusion

This easy baked maple glazed salmon recipe truly delivers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an elegant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dinner in no time. We hope this guide helps you create a perfectly flaky, richly glazed salmon dish that the whole family will adore. Give this recipe a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe!