Introduction
Oh, remember those cozy evenings when the aroma of something delicious filled the kitchen? This Maple Glazed Salmon recipe brings back all those warm feelings, and I’m so excited to share it with you! It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for company but is so incredibly simple, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight. Seriously, get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to be at your table!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Easy: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Giftable: Package up some extra glaze for friends!
- Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and savory combo is universally loved.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our goodies. You’ll be surprised how few things you need for such a flavorful dish!
- 1 lb (454 g) salmon, skinned and cut into filets: Feel free to grab a beautiful fillet and cut it into individual portions yourself.
- Salt and pepper: Your kitchen’s essential seasoning duo!
- ½ cup (118 ml) pure maple syrup: The star of our glaze! Make sure it’s pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a little zing and helps balance the sweetness.
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño, seeds removed: This is where the magic happens! It adds a gentle warmth without making it too spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can easily reduce or omit this.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Because what’s better than garlic?
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Just a touch for color and a hint of smokiness.
- 1 cup (250 g) pineapple chunks (fresh preferred): The pineapple gets wonderfully caramelized and adds a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salmon. Fresh is best, but canned (drained well) will work in a pinch!
How to Make It
Alright, apron on? Let’s do this!
- Preheat your oven: Get that oven fired up to 400°F (200°C). It’s going to be a quick bake!
- Season the salmon: Pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel (this helps them get a nice sear, though not crucial here) and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Whip up the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, finely chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, and paprika. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined into a beautiful, glossy glaze.
- Get ready to bake: Arrange your seasoned salmon filets on a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper for super easy cleanup!
- Glaze away: Spoon that delicious maple glaze evenly over each salmon filet. Make sure every piece gets a good coating!
- Add the pineapple: Scatter the pineapple chunks around the salmon on the baking sheet. They’ll get all sweet and toasty in the oven.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but here are a few ideas to make it your own!
- Spice it up (or down!): If you love a bit more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. For a milder version, simply omit the jalapeño.
- Citrus twist: A tablespoon or two of fresh lime or lemon juice in the glaze can add a lovely bright flavor.
- Herb it up: Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled over the finished salmon adds a burst of freshness.
- Different fruit: While pineapple is amazing, you could try mango chunks or even some peach slices for a seasonal twist.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to ensure your Maple Glazed Salmon turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly! Keep an eye on it, and use that fork test to check for doneness. Overcooked salmon can be dry.
- Prep ahead: You can whisk together the glaze ingredients a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
- Uniform filets: If your salmon filets are different thicknesses, try to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Watch the glaze: The maple syrup can sometimes caramelize a bit too quickly. If you notice the glaze getting too dark before the salmon is cooked, you can loosely tent the salmon with foil.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a happy thing! Store any leftover Maple Glazed Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s delicious cold in a salad or gently reheated.
FAQs
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk the glaze ingredients together up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just stir it well before spooning it over the salmon.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
While Dijon offers a lovely tang, you could try using a little bit of honey mustard or even a touch of grainy mustard if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I grill this instead of baking it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill the pineapple alongside it, or add it to the plate after grilling.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has a very mild warmth from the jalapeño, especially with the seeds removed. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can omit the jalapeño entirely for a sweet and savory glaze. If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Maple Glazed Salmon
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper optional, for easy cleanup
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towel
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb salmon skinned and cut into filets
- salt
- pepper
Glaze
- 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
Pineapple
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh preferred
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, finely chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, and paprika. Give it a good stir until it's all combined into a beautiful, glossy glaze.
- Arrange your seasoned salmon filets on a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper for super easy cleanup!
- Spoon that delicious maple glaze evenly over each salmon filet. Make sure every piece gets a good coating!
- Scatter the pineapple chunks around the salmon on the baking sheet. They'll get all sweet and toasty in the oven.
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You'll know it's done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized.