Maple Glazed Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and black pepper to taste When I make maple glazed salmon, I start with fresh salmon fillets. They should be about six ounces each. I use pure maple syrup for the glaze. It gives a sweet and rich flavor. I add soy sauce for saltiness and depth. If you want a gluten-free option, tamari works well. Dijon mustard adds a nice tangy kick. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. I also add minced garlic for a savory touch. Grated ginger brings warmth and spice. I season the fillets with salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Additional flavor enhancers For garnishing, I use finely chopped green onions. They add color and a mild onion flavor. Sesame seeds give a nutty crunch. You can sprinkle them on top for extra texture. These simple ingredients make the salmon shine. They add layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish. The glaze combines sweet and savory notes, while the garnish adds freshness. This balance makes the dish beautiful and tasty. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps cook the salmon quickly. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients. Combine 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Whisk until everything blends well. This sweet and savory mix will bring great flavor to the salmon. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are skin-side down. Sprinkle each fillet with salt and black pepper for taste. After seasoning, brush the maple glaze generously over the salmon. Be sure to coat each fillet well. Save some glaze for basting later. Put the salmon in the oven and bake it for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. At the 10-minute mark, baste the salmon with the reserved glaze. This extra glaze adds flavor and keeps the fish moist. Once the salmon is cooked, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps the juices settle. Finally, garnish the salmon with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These toppings add color and crunch to your dish. To check if your salmon is done, look for the fish to flake easily with a fork. The ideal temperature is 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer for best results. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the fish. Bake your salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. If you’re unsure, take it out a bit early. It will continue to cook while resting. You can swap ingredients based on your taste. Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a zesty twist. Experiment with different mustards like whole grain for more texture. Pair your maple glazed salmon with simple sides for a complete meal. Rice or quinoa works well as a base. Steamed broccoli or asparagus complements the dish nicely. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp texture. You can even serve it with roasted potatoes for a heartier option. Enjoy the meal with family and friends for a delightful dining experience! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, moist fillets without any discoloration. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, allow the salmon to marinate in the maple glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This enhances the taste significantly. Watch Cooking Time: Salmon can overcook quickly. Keep an eye on it while baking; it should flake easily but still be moist. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Experiment with Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with garnishes! Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can add a nice touch, or try adding thinly sliced radishes for crunch. {{image_2}} Each serving of maple glazed salmon has: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 34 grams - Fats: 15 grams - Carbohydrates: 20 grams This dish packs a punch with protein from the salmon. It also has healthy fats that are good for your heart. The carbs come mainly from the maple syrup. This balance makes it a great meal for energy and muscle repair. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help lower inflammation and improve heart health. It also provides high-quality protein, which supports muscle growth. Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness. It contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This can boost your immune system. Garlic and ginger are not just for flavor. Garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginger aids digestion and can reduce nausea. Together, these ingredients make the dish not just tasty, but also healthy. This recipe serves four people. Each person gets one fillet. If you want to control your portions, you can cut the fillets in half. For a balanced meal, pair the salmon with vegetables or whole grains. This adds fiber and more nutrients. If you have dietary needs, adjust the sides accordingly. Enjoy your meal with confidence! You can choose between fresh and frozen salmon. Fresh salmon has a bright taste and firm texture. Frozen salmon is often just as good. It locks in flavor and can be very convenient. Wild salmon has a rich flavor. It comes from natural waters and often has a deeper color. Farmed salmon is milder and more affordable. It usually has a lighter hue. Both types work well for maple glazed salmon, so pick what you like best. You can switch up the glaze to match your taste. Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. If you want sweetness, mix in a bit of orange juice or zest. This adds a fresh twist to your dish. You can also use fresh herbs. Chopped rosemary or thyme can brighten the glaze. Experimenting keeps the meal exciting and fun! Baking is easy, but don’t stop there. Grilling salmon gives it a smoky flavor. The char from the grill adds depth. Just brush the glaze on before and during cooking. Pan-searing is another great option. It creates a crispy crust while keeping the inside moist. Heat oil in a pan, then cook the salmon skin-side down. Flip it over for a few minutes, then glaze it for a tasty finish. These methods change the texture and taste, making the dish your own. Yes, you can use other fish. Cod, tilapia, and trout work well. These fish have a mild taste and cook quickly. They will soak up the maple glaze nicely. You can also use halibut if you want a firmer texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. For the fridge, place salmon in an airtight container. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, wrap the salmon in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best taste. Yes, you can use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. It has a similar flavor, making it a great swap. You can also try coconut aminos as another gluten-free option. It is a bit sweeter and less salty, but it works well in this recipe. You can tell by checking the color and texture. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Another way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you see it starts to turn white on the edges, it’s close to being done. Maple glazed salmon is simple and tasty. You learned about its key ingredients, like salmon, maple syrup, and garlic. I shared easy steps to make the dish perfectly. Tips and tricks help prevent overcooking and enhance flavors. Plus, you have options, from cooking methods to variations in glaze. This dish fits many tastes and diets. It's healthy and satisfying. Try this recipe for a fun, delicious meal. Enjoy your culinary journey!$

A delicious salmon dish glazed with a sweet and savory maple syrup mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each)
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
to taste salt and black pepper
2 green onions finely chopped (for garnish)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Season the fillets with salt and black pepper.
Brush the maple glaze generously over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve some of the glaze for basting later.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. After the first 10 minutes, baste the salmon with the reserved glaze for added flavor.
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish the salmon with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword gluten-free, maple syrup, salmon