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Maple-Glazed Salmon

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Sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky, this maple-glazed salmon is a weeknight showstopper with gourmet flair. The glaze—made from pure maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a hint of ginger—caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy finish and deep flavor. Quick to prepare and packed with umami, each fillet emerges tender and flaky, with golden edges and a citrusy lift from fresh lemon. Perfect for pairing with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a crisp herb salad, this dish balances richness with brightness in every bite.

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Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment or foil.
  2. Make glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and ginger.
  3. Prep salmon:
    • Pat fillets dry.
    • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Place skin-side down on tray.
  4. Glaze & roast:
    • Spoon glaze over salmon.
    • Roast for 12–15 minutes, basting once, until salmon is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Finish:
    • Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra color (optional).
    • Serve with lemon wedges.

Perfect for weeknight elegance or a dinner party centerpiece. 😊

This maple-glazed salmon recipe is a weeknight wonder—fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Here’s a list of uses to showcase it across meals, formats, and occasions:

🍽️ Everyday Meals

  • Dinner Plate Classic: Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed greens for a comforting trio.
  • Grain Bowl Topper: Flake over rice, quinoa, or couscous with roasted veggies and a drizzle of tahini-lemon sauce.
  • Wraps & Sandwiches: Layer into tortillas or buns with slaw and a creamy dressing.
  • Salmon Stir-In: Chop and stir into pasta, fried rice, or soba noodles with sesame oil and scallions.

🧁 Appetizers & Snacks

  • Mini Skewers: Cube and skewer with pineapple or cucumber for party bites.
  • Salmon Cakes: Flake leftovers and mix with breadcrumbs and egg for pan-fried patties.
  • Picnic Packs: Chill and pack with couscous salad and lemon wedges for outdoor meals.

🥗 Salads & Sides

  • Salad Protein: Flake over leafy greens with avocado, nuts, and citrus vinaigrette.
  • Sidekick: Pair with roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or grilled asparagus.

🌍 Global Twists

  • Asian-Inspired: Add sesame oil and serve with rice noodles, edamame, and pickled ginger.
  • Scandinavian Touch: Serve chilled with dill potatoes and mustard sauce.
  • South African Flair: Pair with pap, chakalaka, or a tangy tomato relish.

🧑‍🍳 Format Variations

  • Salmon Bites: Cut into cubes before roasting for quick-cooking, snackable pieces.
  • Stuffed Veggies: Flake and mix into stuffed peppers or squash.
  • Salmon Tartine: Spread on toast with cream cheese, herbs, and lemon zest.

🎉 Special Occasions

  • Brunch Board: Include chilled slices with boiled eggs, pickles, and flatbreads.
  • Holiday Main: Glaze with pomegranate molasses or cranberry-maple blend.
  • Giftable Marinade Kit: Package maple, mustard, and soy sauce with recipe card.

This maple-glazed salmon is sticky, savory, and fast—perfect for weeknight elegance or a polished dinner plate. Here’s a set of side dishes and pairings that complement its sweet-savory glaze and rich texture:

🥗 Fresh & Bright Sides

To balance the richness of the salmon:

  • Citrus-Dressed Greens: Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with orange segments and vinaigrette.
  • Shaved Fennel & Apple Slaw: Crisp and refreshing.
  • Cucumber-Radish Salad: With dill and lemon.

🍚 Grain & Starch Bases

For a satisfying plate or bowl:

  • Lemon-Herb Couscous: Light and fragrant.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
  • Wild Rice Pilaf: Nutty and earthy, with dried cranberries or pecans.
  • Quinoa with Scallions & Parsley: Zesty and protein-rich.

🥦 Roasted & Glazed Veggies

To echo the caramelized glaze:

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With balsamic or maple drizzle.
  • Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender.
  • Charred Broccolini: With lemon zest and chili flakes.
  • Miso-Roasted Eggplant: Deep umami and silky texture.

🍞 Breads & Extras

To round out the plate:

  • Crusty Sourdough or Baguette: For soaking up glaze.
  • Savory Corn Muffins: Slightly sweet, great with salmon.
  • Herbed Flatbread: With rosemary or thyme.

🍋 Sauces & Garnishes

To layer flavor or add brightness:

  • Lemon-Tahini Drizzle: Creamy and tangy.
  • Yogurt-Dill Sauce: Cooling and herbaceous.
  • Pickled Shallots or Red Onions: For acidity and crunch.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds or Chopped Chives: For garnish.

🍽 For a Composed Plate

  • Maple-glazed salmon fillet
  • Wild rice pilaf or lemon couscous
  • Roasted carrots or broccolini
  • Cucumber salad
  • Lemon wedge and fresh herb garnish

Here are some fun variations to experiment with for your Maple-Glazed Salmon recipe:

Variations

🌍 Flavor Flights

  • Korean-Inspired: Swap maple for honey, add gochujang and sesame oil. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
  • Citrus-Teriyaki: Add orange juice and zest to the glaze, plus a splash of rice vinegar. Serve with steamed bok choy and jasmine rice.
  • Moroccan Twist: Use date syrup, add cinnamon and cumin. Serve with couscous and preserved lemon.

🧅 Glaze Variations

  • Balsamic-Mustard: Replace soy with balsamic vinegar, double the Dijon, and add rosemary. Serve with roasted root vegetables.
  • Chili-Lime: Use lime juice and zest, add chili flakes or sriracha. Pair with avocado salad or grilled corn.
  • Maple-Miso: Add white miso paste to the glaze for umami depth. Serve with soba noodles and pickled radish.

🍽️ Format & Presentation Ideas

  • Salmon Skewers: Cube salmon and glaze before grilling on skewers—great for party bites or bento-style plating.
  • Mini Fillet Trio: Serve three small fillets with different glazes (e.g., Korean, Citrus, Miso) on a tasting board.
  • Salmon Bowls: Flake glazed salmon over rice or greens with matching toppings—ideal for styled lunch posts.

🧁 Fun Add-Ins

  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top before broiling.
  • Herb Finish: Add fresh dill, basil, or mint after roasting for brightness.
  • Fruit Accent: Top with grilled pineapple, mango salsa, or pomegranate seeds for color and contrast.

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