One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon

This maple glazed salmon is my go-to when I want a dinner that feels special with barely any effort. A handful of simple ingredients turn into an irresistibly silky glaze that pairs so well with juicy salmon and works for any busy night or even a dinner with friends. The best part is you can bake it or pan-sear it depending on your mood.

I first made this on a chilly Friday when I was craving takeout but wanted something homemade. Now it is one of those recipes I repeat whenever I have salmon in the fridge because it leaves everyone at the table quiet and happy.

Ingredients

• Maple syrup: for a naturally rich sweetness Try to choose pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor
• Soy sauce: brings all the salty umami balance Use low sodium versions or tamari if you prefer gluten free
• Fresh garlic and ginger: lift the whole dish with warm spice Choose plump cloves and juicy ginger root for the brightest taste
• Salmon fillets: the hero that soaks up all the glossy glaze Seek out wild caught or sustainably farmed if you can for texture and flavor
• Optional trout or halibut: also work swap in if your store has these and you love a milder taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

In a mixing bowl combine maple syrup soy sauce minced garlic and grated ginger Stir well until everything is fully blended and slightly thickened

Marinate the Salmon:

Lay salmon fillets in a shallow dish Pour the marinade over the top making sure each piece is coated well Cover and set in the fridge for at least thirty minutes which gives the flavors a chance to sink in

Choose Your Cooking Method:

For baking heat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Lay the marinated salmon on a parchment lined baking tray Pour over extra marinade Bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes or until the salmon just flakes with a fork
For pan searing heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet until quite hot Place the salmon skin side down Cook two to four minutes until crisp then flip and pour in excess marinade Cook another three to five minutes until glossy and cooked through

Finish and Serve:

Transfer salmon to a plate spoon pan juices or sauce over the top and serve hot alongside your favorite sides like noodles rice or crisp vegetables

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I always find myself sneaking extra bites of the crispy edge pieces soaked in glaze My daughter loves to help brush the maple mixture onto the fish before it bakes and that has become a sweet kitchen tradition for us

Storage Tips

After the salmon has cooled place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two days To reheat cover the fish and warm in a three hundred fifty degree oven for about fifteen minutes You can also flake leftovers into a salad or tuck into wraps for lunch

Ingredient Substitutions

If maple syrup is not available honey can work in a pinch The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious Bragg liquid aminos or coconut aminos can stand in for soy sauce to lower sodium or avoid gluten If you do not have fresh ginger a pinch of ground ginger is a decent backup

Serving Suggestions

This salmon is beautiful over a bed of steamed rice or tossed with noodles I also really enjoy it with roasted broccoli or a fresh crunchy slaw For a bright touch finish each serving with a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs like cilantro

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Simple Origins

Maple glazed salmon draws on classic sweet and savory flavor pairings that are loved in homes across North America The blend of natural sweetness from maple syrup with deep soy-based umami is a nod to both heritage and modern cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I get crispy skin on the salmon?

Pan-sear the fillets skin-side down in a hot pan to achieve a crispy, flavorful texture before flipping.

→ Is it better to bake or pan-sear the salmon?

Baking yields tender, moist fish, while pan-searing creates a crispier exterior and quicker cooking time.

→ Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, trout or halibut both absorb the maple glaze beautifully and are excellent alternatives to salmon.

→ How long should I marinate the salmon?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than an hour, to avoid overpowering the fish with the glaze’s flavors.

→ What sides pair best with this dish?

Serve with noodles, steamed rice, roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or fresh salads for a complete meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil.