Maple glazed salmon baked in 20 minutes is perfect

This maple glazed salmon baked recipe is a total lifesaver in my kitchen on those crazy busy weeknights. I honestly stumbled onto this combo when I was craving something sweet and salty but did not want to stand over a hot stove for an hour. The way that maple syrup gets all bubbly and caramelized in the oven creates this crust that is just so good. You are going to love how the fish stays so flaky while soaking up all those big flavors. It is healthy and fast and honestly feels like you ordered it from a fancy place. You can whip this up for friends or just make it a quick dinner for the family.

Why You Need This Maple Glazed Salmon Baked

You really need a solid recipe that works every single time you make it. This dish uses stuff you probably already have in your pantry to make something that tastes way more freaking delicious than you would expect. That natural sweetness from the maple syrup plays so well with the salty soy sauce. Since we are baking it instead of frying it in a pan the fish stays really moist and tender. Plus you do not have to deal with oil popping everywhere or half the fish being raw. It is a totally foolproof way to cook even if you are just starting out in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Salmon Baked

• 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or use tamari to keep it gluten free
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic minced up small
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley to make it look pretty

Simple Steps for Maple Glazed Salmon Baked

Just follow these easy steps to get that perfect bake. Getting your oven nice and hot first is the big secret to making sure that glaze sticks and sets just right.

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Turn your oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Line your baking sheet with some parchment paper or foil. This is going to save you so much time on the dishes later. Give the paper a quick rub with a tiny bit of olive oil so nothing sticks.

Mix the Glaze

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your maple syrup and soy sauce and mustard and garlic and paprika and pepper. Make sure that mustard is really mixed in there. You do not want any big clumps of mustard on your fish because that would be a weird surprise.

Bake the Fish

Lay your salmon fillets out on the baking sheet. Use a paper towel to pat them dry first because the glaze sticks better to dry skin. Brush a ton of that glaze over every fillet. Put the pan on the middle rack. Bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes depending on how thick the fish is. If you are not sure if it is done just poke it with a fork to see if it flakes apart easily.

Tips for Success

I know a lot of people get stressed about overcooking fish. Just remember that the salmon keeps cooking for a minute even after you pull it out of the oven. You want the middle to hit about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fillets are super thin start checking them at 10 minutes. If you want that dark and charred look on top just flip on the broiler for the last 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it though because the sugar in that syrup can burn fast.

Serving Suggestions for Maple Glazed Salmon Baked

This salmon looks and tastes amazing with some roasted asparagus or even just steamed broccoli. The green veggies really balance out that sweet glaze. You can also put it on top of some quinoa or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of the sauce. If you have leftovers they are actually great cold on a spinach salad with some walnuts and apple slices the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

You definitely can use frozen fillets. Just make sure you let them thaw out all the way in the fridge overnight. Pat them really dry before you put the glaze on so the sauce does not just slide right off.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you are avoiding soy you can use coconut aminos instead. It gives you that same salty kick without the soy proteins.

How do I store leftovers?

Put whatever is left in a container that seals tight. It will stay good in the fridge for about two days. When you want to eat it again just warm it up slowly in the oven at 275 degrees so it does not get dry.

Nutritional Facts for Maple Glazed Salmon Baked

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 18g
• Sodium: 480mg

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