This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This baked maple glazed salmon is a simple sheet pan dinner that’s perfect for weeknights! You only need 6 ingredients and 20 minutes to make this sweet and savory salmon dinner. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetable side dish!
Salmon is one of my go-to healthy weeknight dinners because it cooks quickly, it’s packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s versatile. Along with this maple glazed salmon, a few of my other favorites are bang bang salmon bowls, walnut crusted salmon, and Greek salmon salad.
This baked maple glazed salmon only takes 5 minutes to prep and uses simple pantry ingredients that not only make it affordable, but perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredient Notes
Salmon fillets – Fresh salmon or frozen salmon can be used, I’ve made it with both and had good results. You also use any variety of salmon. Atlantic salmon (farm raised) is easy to find and Sockeye salmon is as well. When it’s in season, Coho salmon and King salmon are also good options. You can use skin-on or skin-off salmon.
Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup should be used, not pancake syrup. It gives the glaze it’s sweetness and maple flavor.
Soy sauce – Soy sauce gives the glaze a salty, savory flavor and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid it being too salty. For a gluten-free option use low-sodium tamari.
Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds the perfect amount of tang to the maple glaze. It also helps to thicken it. I don’t recommend replacing it with yellow mustard, the flavor won’t be the same.
Smoked paprika and garlic powder – Smoked paprika is my secret ingredient for the salmon glaze. It adds the perfect amount of smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the maple syrup and soy sauce. We’re also using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to avoid having it burn while it bakes in the oven and turn bitter.
Tips for Making Maple Glazed Salmon
- Use salmon fillets that are similar in thickness. This will ensure that they cook evenly and you don’t have one piece that’s undercooked and another that’s overcooked and dry.
- You can make the glaze for the salmon a couple days in advance if you’re in a hurry and don’t want any prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and whisk it before brushing it onto the salmon.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the glaze that drips off the salmon from burning onto the pan.
- Apply the glaze onto the salmon 3 times. Brush it onto the salmon before it goes in the oven, halfway through the baking time, and after it’s finished baking. Doing this will give the salmon the best flavor and the glaze will have a thicker, stickier consistency. Be sure to remove a couple tablespoons of the glaze and put it in a separate bowl before you start so you don’t cross-contaminate.
- Don’t overcook the salmon. The fillets will be opaque and the internal temperature should be 130° F. for a medium cooked salmon (this is what I recommend for this recipe). Remember the salmon will continue to cook once it’s removed from the oven.
- Don’t waste the glaze that fallen off the salmon and onto the parchment paper. Assuming it didn’t burn, I like to brush it on top at the end. It has a wonderful thick and sticky consistency!
Substitutions and Variations
Make it spicy – For a spicy kick add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne to the glaze. A 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha or chili crisp would also be delicious and have a more garlic forward flavor.
Use honey – An equal amount of honey can be used instead of maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still very good. Be sure the other ingredients are at room temperature so the honey mixes into them easily.
Grill the salmon – You can absolutely grill maple glazed salmon. You’ll still apply the glaze the same way and the internal temperature should be the same as it would be if you were baking it. I have some good tips for grilling salmon included in my recipe for grilled salmon tacos with strawberry avocado salsa.
What to Serve with Maple Glazed Salmon
Rice or noodles – White or brown steamed rice or rice noodles are my favorite carb to serve with salmon. Cilantro lime rice is great if you’re looking for something more flavorful. I like to pour any extra maple soy glaze over them.
Veggies – Steamed vegetables or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, or sugar snap peas, are another great side dish to serve with salmon. The flavors in these miso roasted brussels sprouts pair perfectly with the maple salmon.
Salad – A few of my favorite salads to serve with maple glazed salmon are Asian edamame salad, sesame noodle salad (minus the chicken), and cucumber avocado salad.
Storage and Reheating
Storage – Leftover salmon will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The leftovers can be eaten cold or warm.
Reheating – Be careful when reheating salmon as it can dry out quickly. Microwave just until warm and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300° F. for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love
- Southwest Salmon Rice Bowls
- Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
- Chipotle Maple Grilled Salmon
- Greek Salmon and Orzo Skillet
- Honey Chipotle Salmon Bowls
Baked Maple Glazed Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (1 pound total)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a measuring glass or bowl whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, dijon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Pour a couple tablespoons of the glaze into a separate bowl.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, pat them dry with paper towels and season with a little salt. Brush the salmon with half of the glaze then place it in the oven and bake for 7 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Bake for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature is 130° F.
- Remove from the oven and pour the reserved glaze over the top of the salmon. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve with rice or noodles and your favorite vegetable side dish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this Maple Glazed Salmon, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you and do my best to respond to your comments. And if you’re on Instagram tag @reciperunner so I can see your beautiful creations!
Made this for dinner tonight with quinoa and green beans. It was perfect. Will definitely make it again.