This mouthwatering Maple Glazed Salmon is a game-changer for dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in about 20 minutes. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a dish that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes—perfect for those nights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Incredible Flavor: The maple-soy glaze creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory that complements the rich salmon beautifully.
Complete Meal Option: Add rice and broccoli right in the same pan for a no-fuss complete dinner that cooks all at once.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and omega-3s from the salmon, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! Look for vibrant color and firm texture. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor, but farm-raised works perfectly too.
Brown Sugar: Adds that wonderful caramelized sweetness that helps create a beautiful glaze on the salmon.
Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup! It provides a complex sweetness that’s worth every penny.
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings the perfect amount of saltiness while keeping the sodium in check. The umami flavor adds wonderful depth.
Dijon Mustard: This secret ingredient adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
Pepper: Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors.
Almonds: Adds a wonderful textural contrast with their delightful crunch.
Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
Rice and Broccoli: Optional but highly recommended for a complete meal. They cook alongside the salmon, soaking up the delicious glaze.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists on this recipe:

Seed It Up: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Rice Alternatives: Swap white rice for nutty brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Veggie Varieties: Try cauliflower, mushrooms, or Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli.
Sweetener Swap: Replace the brown sugar with honey or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat lovers.

How to Make Maple Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and place your salmon fillets in the center. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

Mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. This magical mixture will transform into a gorgeous glaze that flavors the entire dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Pour the glaze mixture over the salmon, making sure to coat it evenly. Then place fresh broccoli on one side of the salmon and cooked rice on the other to create a complete meal in one pan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 400°F oven. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon—about 15-20 minutes for thick fillets, less for thinner cuts. Check after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped or sliced almonds and green onions on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Test: Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F at the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork.
Extra Glaze: Make a double batch of the glaze mixture and reserve half to serve as a sauce. For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the extra glaze in a small saucepan. Heat until thickened.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon can quickly go from perfectly tender to dry. Start checking earlier rather than later—you can always add more time.
Air Fryer Option: For an even quicker cooking method, try making this in an air fryer for 6-11 minutes (depending on thickness).
Room Temperature Salmon: Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

How to Serve

This Maple Glazed Salmon creates an impressive presentation that’s perfect for any occasion:

Complete Meal

Serve directly from the baking dish with the rice and broccoli for a beautifully composed plate that took minimal effort.

Elegant Plating

For a more upscale presentation, place the salmon on a bed of rice with broccoli alongside, then drizzle with extra glaze and sprinkle with almonds and green onions.

Pairing Suggestions

This salmon pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover and heat at 50% power to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first, then pat it dry with paper towels before adding the glaze. This ensures proper cooking and helps the glaze adhere better to the salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork when done. The color should change from translucent to opaque throughout, but you still want it to be moist and tender in the center.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can mix the glaze up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire dish a few hours before cooking—just keep it refrigerated and add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Great news—this recipe is naturally dairy-free! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your Dijon mustard to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Glazed Salmon recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a dish that feels special enough for company but simple enough for weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this fool-proof recipe delivers incredible results every time. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe