Maple Glazed Salmon

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Maple Glazed Salmon is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a delightful way to enjoy salmon with a hint of autumnal charm.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Salmon

Salmon fillets are the star here, offering a rich, buttery texture that holds up well under a glaze. Choose fillets with the skin on for extra flavor and moisture retention.

Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a touch of earthy depth, which contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.

Soy sauce provides a salty, umami punch that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Garlic, when minced, infuses the glaze with a fragrant depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Lemon juice brings a necessary acidity that brightens up the dish and balances the sweetness.

Ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.

Olive oil helps to keep the salmon moist during baking, adding a subtle richness.

Sea salt enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh salmon whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you're short on time, marinate the salmon while the oven preheats.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste; more garlic for a stronger kick.
  • Bake the salmon on parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This maple glazed salmon pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa or brown rice. The grain will soak up any extra glaze, making every bite a delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and quickly. While the oven is warming up, take a small bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. This creates your flavorful glaze.

Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin, and pour the maple mixture over them. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the fish with all those delicious flavors.

Once marinated, sprinkle the fillets with ground black pepper and sea salt. A light seasoning here will perfectly complement the glaze without overpowering it. Then, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the fillets to help lock in moisture.

Now, pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you're looking for the salmon to be cooked through but still moist. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.

After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This brief resting time helps the juices redistribute throughout the fillet, making each bite as tender as can be.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • A harmonious balance of sweet maple and savory soy sauce.
  • Healthy and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Versatile: pairs well with numerous sides.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the maple mixture over them.
4. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the fillets with black pepper and sea salt.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the fillets.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

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