Go Back
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving To make Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon, you will need fresh salmon fillets. I prefer using wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor. The glaze comes from a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. This balance gives a sweet and tangy taste. You also need extra-virgin olive oil to help the glaze stick. Minced garlic adds a nice kick to the flavor. Fresh thyme offers a hint of earthiness that pairs well with the fish. Don't forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Finally, lemon wedges bring a refreshing finish to each bite. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Spoon or brush For this recipe, you will need a few simple tools. Start with a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with clean-up and keeps the fish from sticking. A mixing bowl is essential for whisking the glaze. A whisk works best to combine the ingredients smoothly. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do the trick. You will also need a spoon or brush to spread the glaze over the salmon. These tools make the process easier and more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the salmon cook evenly. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. - In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 2 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Whisk until smooth. The glaze should blend well and be glossy. - Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Place them skin-side down. - Generously pour the maple Dijon glaze over each fillet. Use a spoon or brush for even coating. - Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by using a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. - For a caramelized finish, switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Stay close to watch for burning. - Remove the salmon and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. - Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor. - Ensuring the right cooking temperature: Cook salmon at 375°F (190°C) for even results. This temperature helps the fish cook through without drying out. - How to tell if salmon is done: Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If it does, it’s ready! The fish should look opaque and lose its raw color. - Suggestions for additional spices or herbs: Try adding a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Fresh dill also pairs well and adds a bright note. - Tips on glazing consistency: Make sure your glaze is smooth and not too thick. If it’s too thick, whisk in a bit of water or extra olive oil for ease of application. - Garnishing ideas: Top your salmon with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color. You can also add thin lemon slices for a bright touch. - Side dish pairings: Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your meal. Quinoa or rice also makes a great base to soak up the glaze. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate in the glaze for up to 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor profile. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh thyme and high-quality maple syrup for the best taste. Fresh herbs elevate the dish significantly. Check Doneness Carefully: Salmon can dry out quickly; check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time to maintain moisture. Experiment with Glaze Variations: Try adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an exciting flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can change the fish type in this recipe. While salmon is great, try using trout or halibut. Both work well with the glaze. Each fish brings its own flavor and texture. You might enjoy the subtle taste of trout or the firm bite of halibut. For sweeteners, maple syrup shines, but you can swap it for honey or agave. Each option gives a unique taste. If you want less sweetness, use mustard only. It will still taste great! Grilling or baking are both excellent for this dish. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. To grill, preheat your grill and cook the salmon for about six minutes per side. Baking is easy and less messy. It allows the glaze to caramelize gently. Just follow the oven steps from the recipe. You can also cook on a stovetop. Heat a pan over medium heat, add oil, and sear the fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a crispy skin and keeps the inside moist. Pair your Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon with sides for a complete meal. Roasted vegetables are a great option. Try asparagus or Brussels sprouts, seasoned simply. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well. If you're looking to add more flavor, try sauces or toppings. A dollop of yogurt with herbs can add creaminess. You could also serve with a tangy salsa or a sweet chutney for extra zing. Enjoy exploring these tasty variations! To keep your Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the salmon to room temperature before storing. In the fridge, it will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To safely reheat your salmon, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the fish moist. If using a microwave, cover the salmon with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or a container. This method keeps air out and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the salmon for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing is best done overnight in the fridge. If you are short on time, you can run it under cold water for 30 minutes. This helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful. It usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook salmon at 375°F. The exact time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets. Always check for doneness to ensure the salmon is cooked through but still tender. The best way to tell if salmon is cooked is to check if it flakes easily with a fork. You can also look for a color change. Cooked salmon will turn from a bright pink to a light, opaque color. Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time. Whisk the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before using. Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. You can also serve it with quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal. Adding lemon wedges enhances the dish with a fresh burst of flavor. This blog covered how to make Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon. We shared key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful kitchen tools. You learned to create a tasty glaze and bake the salmon to perfection. Remember to check for doneness and try the serving suggestions. Enjoy experimenting with variations and flavors. With practice, you'll impress everyone with your salmon dish. Keep it fun and tasty!

Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon

A delicious salmon dish glazed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (approximately 6 ounces each)
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  • Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the skin-side facing down.
  • Generously pour the maple Dijon glaze over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly coated. You can use a brush or the back of a spoon for an even application.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by gently testing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork—this signals it's cooked through. For an extra caramelized finish, switch on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
  • Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving.
  • Plate the salmon and serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their portion for an added burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley.
Keyword dijon, glazed, healthy, maple, salmon