Easy Maple-Glazed Salmon Recipe (30 Minutes!) | Sweet & Savory

This easy maple-glazed salmon recipe is both simple and unforgettable. With just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes, you can make tender, flaky baked salmon with a sweet and savory maple soy glaze. If you're trying to eat more fish but want something that doesn't taste too "fishy," this maple salmon recipe might just win you over.

Maple-glazed baked salmon fillet with caramelized glaze


📋 Recipe Info:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 4 people
  • Difficulty: Easy

✨ Why This Maple Salmon Recipe Works

This is one of my favorite salmon recipes because:

  • Simple ingredients - Just 5 pantry staples, no exotic ingredients
  • Quick prep - Active time is only about 5 minutes
  • Perfect balance - Maple adds sweetness, soy sauce adds umami and salt
  • Forgiving - Hard to overcook with the glaze keeping it moist
  • Not fishy - The sweet-savory glaze appeals even to people who don't usually like fish
  • Healthy - Packed with omega-3s and protein with no added sugar besides natural maple syrup

🐟 Maple-Glazed Salmon Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 people. Feel free to double it for more guests or leftovers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of salmon fillet (skin on or off, your choice)

  • 1 clove of fresh garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (real maple syrup makes a big difference)

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

  • A pinch of ground black pepper

👩‍🍳 How to Make Maple-Glazed Salmon (Step-by-Step)

  1. Make the glaze.
    In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

  2. Marinate the salmon.
    Place your salmon fillet in a shallow glass dish or container. Pour the maple mixture over the top and turn the salmon once to coat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, flipping the salmon halfway through if you can.

  3. Bake to perfection.
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Once the oven is hot, remove the cover from the salmon and place the dish directly on the center rack. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

  4. Serve and enjoy.
    This salmon goes beautifully with a side of rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Leftovers are great the next day for lunch over a salad or tucked into a wrap.

Step by step instructions for making maple-glazed salmon recipe

🥗 What to Serve with Maple-Glazed Salmon

This maple salmon pairs beautifully with:

Grains:

  • White or brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Couscous
  • Rice pilaf

Vegetables:

  • Roasted broccoli or asparagus
  • Steamed green beans
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Glazed carrots

Salads:

  • Simple green salad with vinaigrette
  • Asian-inspired slaw

My favorite combo: Serve this salmon over rice with roasted broccoli and a side salad for a complete, balanced meal.

🍽️ Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Salmon

  • Don’t skip the marinating. Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in how the flavors soak into the fish.

  • Line your dish with foil or parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.

  • If you’re cooking skin-on salmon, bake it skin-side down so the flesh absorbs more of the glaze.

  • Want to grill it instead? Wrap the marinated salmon in foil and grill over medium heat for about the same time.

  • For extra glaze, reserve a small amount of the marinade before adding it to the raw salmon, and brush it on in the last five minutes of baking.

🍁 Fun Facts About Maple & Salmon

  • Maple syrup is packed with minerals like zinc and manganese. It’s a sweetener, yes, but it’s a little better for you than refined sugar.

  • Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart and brain health. Eating it regularly (even once a week) can have big benefits.

  • In many Indigenous and Northern cultures, maple and salmon are traditional ingredients. This pairing is simple, natural, and time-tested.

💌 Love this recipe?

Download this free printable recipe card.

Maple Salmon Recipe Card

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out the other dishes I’ve shared.

📝 Simple Wrap-Up

This is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take a ton of effort. The maple glaze adds just enough sweetness to make it unique, while the soy sauce and garlic balance it with a little savoriness.

If you try it, let me know in the comments how it turned out or how you put your own twist on it. I love sharing simple, satisfying meals that feel just right for a busy weeknight or a quiet weekend dinner.

Sensibly and simply yours,
Kat

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Location: Michigan, USA

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