Easy Maple Salmon Recipe: Tips for Making Maple Salmon
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 10, 2024 • 2 min read
Ready in just 30 minutes, this nutritious, flavor-packed maple salmon recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
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What Is Maple Salmon?
Maple salmon is a sweet-and-savory dish that involves coating salmon fillets in a thick, flavorful glaze consisting of pure maple syrup and savory pantry staples, then roasting them. With its relatively high-fat content, salmon is a more forgiving fish than other varieties: The fish holds up well under various cooking methods, from grilling to oven-roasting.
3 Tips for Making Maple Salmon
Follow these tips to make the most of this maple glazed salmon recipe:
- 1. Experiment with different seasonings. Use your favorite spices, herbs, and condiments to craft a marinade that suits your specific palate. Incorporate olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and Italian herbs for a European-inspired dish. Sprinkle in additional spices (like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder) and sweeteners (like brown sugar or honey). Garnish your salmon with various fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, and cilantro.
- 2. Choose the right temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare salmon but no higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the fish’s temperature or cut into the flesh. Medium-rare salmon should be primarily opaque but still juicy, while salmon over 125 degrees will be flakier and start to form white clumps.
- 3. Store properly. Cooked maple salmon will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze cooked salmon because its quality will diminish when frozen.
Easy Maple Salmon Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
32 mincook time
22 minIngredients
Note: The total time does not include 1 hour of inactive time.
- 1
In a small bowl, combine your glaze ingredients. Whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated garlic, grated ginger, white pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- 2
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and transfer it to the refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour.
- 3
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- 4
Using tongs, transfer the marinated salmon to the prepared sheet pan, skin-side down. Reserve the remaining marinade.
- 5
Transfer the salmon to the preheated oven and roast it until it is golden brown and just cooked through the center, about 12–15 minutes.
- 6
As the salmon bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and warm it over medium-high heat.
- 7
Stirring frequently, simmer the glaze until a thick sauce forms, about 5–7 minutes.
- 8
Remove the fish from the oven. Transfer the baked salmon to a serving platter. Spoon the maple glaze over the fish and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.
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