Tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich, smoky-sweet maple glaze with a hint of spice, this Oven-Baked Maple Glazed Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a balance of sweetness, savory umami, and a touch of heat, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Rich and flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet maple, smoky paprika, and savory soy sauce.
Healthy and nutritious – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level and pair with your favorite sides.
Restaurant-quality at home – Impress guests with this elegant yet simple dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Prepare the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Season and glaze: Brush the salmon evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt. Generously coat the fillets with the maple glaze, ensuring full coverage.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a caramelized glaze.
Optional broil: For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes.
Serve hot with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicier Version – Increase the cayenne pepper for more heat or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
Citrus Twist – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the glaze for a tangy balance.
Soy-Free Option – Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Grilled Maple Salmon – Instead of baking, grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Miso Maple Glaze – Add 1 teaspoon of white miso paste for an extra umami boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to overcook.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before applying the glaze to prevent excess moisture.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farm-raised salmon works well too. Choose fresh fillets with vibrant color and firm texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the salmon in the glaze for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator before baking for deeper flavor.

What side dishes pair well with maple glazed salmon?

Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, quinoa, or a light arugula salad.

How do I prevent salmon from drying out?

Avoid overcooking; remove the salmon when it reaches 125-130°F (52-54°C) as it will continue cooking from residual heat.

Can I cook this salmon in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or brown sugar can be used, but maple syrup provides the best caramelized finish.

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its smooth and tangy flavor, but whole grain or spicy brown mustard can work as well.

What’s the best way to tell if salmon is done cooking?

Use a fork to check if the fish flakes easily, or use a thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free. Just ensure your Dijon mustard and soy sauce are free from additives containing dairy.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Maple Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, it’s an easy yet elegant meal that’s great for weeknights or special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your home!

Oven-Baked Maple Glazed Salmon

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich, smoky-sweet maple glaze with a hint of spice.

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Season the Salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the salmon evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt.
Glaze & Bake:
- Generously coat the salmon with the maple glaze, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a caramelized glaze.
Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
- For a crispy finish, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.

Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Pair with sides like quinoa, steamed asparagus, or garlic mashed potatoes.

For a smoky twist, use chipotle powder instead of cayenne.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Seafood
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian, American