Name: Quick Maple Glazed Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (total 1 lb); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

Salmon used to intimidate me. I’d walk past it at the grocery store thinking it looked too fancy for a weeknight dinner. But then I discovered how easy it is to make at home, and now it’s become one of our family favorites.

The secret is in the glaze. A simple mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples creates this sweet and savory coating that makes the salmon taste like something from a restaurant. My kids actually ask for seconds, which never happens with fish.

The best part? It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. I can get dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout. And cleanup is easy since everything happens in one pan. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn’t stress me out.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Salmon

Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in just 25-35 minutes, this salmon is perfect when you want something fancy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Simple ingredient list – With just five basic ingredients, you probably already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge.
Sweet and savory flavors – The maple syrup creates a beautiful caramelized glaze while the soy sauce and Dijon add depth that makes every bite interesting.
Healthy protein option – Salmon is packed with omega-3s and protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious for your family.
Restaurant-quality results – The glossy maple glaze makes this salmon look and taste like something you’d order at a nice restaurant, but you can make it at home with ease.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

You can choose farm-raised or wild salmon for this recipe, and both will work great with the maple glaze. If you’re shopping for fresh salmon, look for fillets that have a bright color and firm texture without any fishy smell. Frozen salmon works just fine too – just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. For the best results, try to get fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly, and don’t worry about whether you keep the skin on or off since both options will taste delicious with this sweet and savory glaze.

Options for Substitutions

This simple salmon recipe is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps:

Salmon fillets: Other meaty fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi work great here. Just adjust cooking time since thinner fillets will cook faster than thick salmon pieces.
Maple syrup: Honey is your best substitute – use the same amount. Brown sugar mixed with a tablespoon of water also works, though you’ll get a slightly different flavor.
Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are good swaps if you’re avoiding soy. For a different twist, try teriyaki sauce but reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons since teriyaki is already sweet.
Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works fine, or you can skip it entirely and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for that tangy kick.
Fresh garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch – use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of the fresh cloves. You could also try minced ginger for a different flavor profile.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making maple glazed salmon is cooking it at too high heat, which causes the maple syrup to burn and turn bitter before the fish is properly cooked – stick to medium heat and watch the glaze carefully.

Another common error is not patting the salmon fillets completely dry before cooking, as any moisture will prevent proper searing and make the glaze slide right off the fish.

To avoid overcooking, remove the salmon when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, since it will continue cooking slightly from residual heat.

For the best flavor, let the glaze reduce and thicken in the pan for about 2-3 minutes before spooning it over the cooked salmon, and don’t forget to check that your salmon fillets are similar in thickness so they cook evenly.

What to Serve With Maple Glazed Salmon?

This sweet and savory salmon pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots that can caramelize alongside the fish. I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious maple glaze, and steamed broccoli or green beans make great simple sides too. For something a bit more special, try it with roasted sweet potatoes or a wild rice pilaf, which complement the maple flavors perfectly. A light cucumber salad or mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette also helps balance out the richness of the glazed fish.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Leftover maple glazed salmon keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I actually think it tastes great cold the next day flaked over a salad or mixed into pasta. Just make sure to let it cool completely before putting it away.

Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months, though the texture will be a bit different when thawed. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. I like to portion it out so I can grab just what I need for quick weeknight dinners.

Warm Up: To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep it from drying out. You can also use the microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overcook it since salmon can get tough quickly when reheated.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

Calories: 950-1050
Protein: 90-100 g
Fat: 35-42 g
Carbohydrates: 55-65 g

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (total 1 lb)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely minced

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze

1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely minced

In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and finely minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

This glaze will flavor and moisten the salmon.

Step 3: Glaze and Arrange the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (total 1 lb)
maple glaze (from Step 2), about 1/3

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Spoon about one third of the prepared maple glaze evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets, reserving the rest for basting and topping later.

Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Bake and Baste the Salmon

maple glaze (from Step 2), about 1/3

Place the glazed salmon fillets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

After the first 10 minutes, brush or spoon another third of the maple glaze over the salmon to add more flavor and moisture.

Continue baking until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

I like to check the salmon a couple of minutes early to avoid overcooking—it should be just opaque in the center.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

remaining maple glaze (from Step 2)

Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and immediately spoon the remaining maple glaze over the hot fillets.

Serve right away for best flavor and texture.