This Easy Maple Glazed Salmon recipe is the perfect main dish for salmon lovers! Juicy salmon fillets caramelized in an easy maple glaze, on the table in under 20 minutes!
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If you’re looking for an easy, elegant dinner that feels special but takes almost no effort, this Maple Glazed Salmon is it! The combination of real maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger gives it a rich, balanced flavour that is both savoury and slightly sweet. It cooks quickly in one pan, and the glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, coating the salmon in a glossy finish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, but it’s also impressive enough for guests if you’re hosting a dinner party. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen in minutes!
Maple Glazed Salmon is a simple, flavourful dish made by searing salmon fillets and finishing them in the oven with a maple syrup glaze. The glaze is a blend of maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger that thickens slightly as it cooks and clings to the salmon. The result is tender, flaky fish with a golden, caramelized coating that has the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savoury flavours. It is one of those easy recipes that looks and tastes impressive but only takes a few simple ingredients to make.
This recipe is a family favourite because it checks every single box for flavour, simplicity AND versatility. Here’s just some of the reasons we love it!
- It’s quick to make. From start to finish, dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes.
- It’s healthy and balanced. Salmon is full of protein and omega-3 fats, and the glaze adds just enough sweetness without being heavy.
- It’s made with pantry staples. You only need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- It’s perfect for any occasion. Simple enough for a weeknight, but polished enough to serve to guests.
- It’s a one-pan recipe. Sear, glaze, and bake all in the same pan, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- It’s naturally flavourful. The maple, garlic, and ginger combination gives a deep, complex taste without needing extra sauces or sides.
With just a few simple tips and tricks you can make this easy maple glazed salmon to absolute perfection!
Pure maple syrup gives a richer, more natural sweetness than pancake syrup or blends.
This helps the salmon fillets brown evenly and form a light crust in the pan.
Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry.
A hot pan helps the salmon brown and keeps it from sticking.
Mixing them first ensures even flavour and prevents the garlic or ginger from burning in the oven.
Once the glaze is added, transfer the pan to the oven so the sauce thickens and coats the salmon evenly. Cooking the salmon in the oven cooks it more slowly than in the pan on the stovetop and ensures it cooks evenly throughout.
Drizzling a little extra glaze from the pan over the top of the salmon before serving adds extra flavour and shine.
Our favourite way to cook salmon is in my tried and true Cast Iron Pan! It provides the perfect sear and caramelization on the outside of the salmon and it holds the heat evenly, reducing the maple glaze as the salmon cooks.
Here are the other basic kitchen items you’ll need to make this easy maple glazed salmon (paid links):
- large flipper or turner
- liquid measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Prep Bowls
- Garlic Press
- Microplane Zester
- Instant Read Thermometer
This Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon is perfected by a simple Maple Glaze that’s made with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it (paid links):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 6 medium boneless skinless salmon fillets 3-4 ounces each
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger finely grated
- a dash of Sriracha optional
- fresh chives and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Time needed: 20 minutes
Here’s how to make the easiest Maple Glazed salmon you’ll ever make!
- Get ready.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a large cast iron (or other oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Season and sear the salmon.
Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan, top side down. Let the salmon brown until it’s caramel-coloured on the first side (about 2 minutes) and then flip to brown on the other side.
- Mix together the sauce ingredients.
While the salmon is browning, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and Sriracha in a small bowl and pour it over the salmon fillets.
- Bake to perfection.
Add the whole pan to the preheated oven, uncovered, and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve.
Spoon the maple glaze over the salmon again before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives, if desired.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking so it sears well and the glaze sticks to the salmon properly.
Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have one, sear the salmon in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the glaze and finishing in the oven. Bonus points if you can use a baking dish that can be preheated so it’s hot when you add the salmon and glaze.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the glaze ingredients up to two days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Whisk it all together again before using.
How do I know when the salmon’s done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque in the centre. If you use an instant read thermometer, aim for 63°C or 145°F.
What should I serve with Maple Glazed Salmon?
It pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. It also works well with noodles or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a gentle heat that complements the sweet maple flavour.
How long do leftovers keep?
Cooked salmon keeps for about three days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
We hope you love this Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon as much as we do! Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favourite way to enjoy salmon? We’d love to know!
Watch the video below to see exactly how I make this easy recipe. You can find more delicious recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
If you made this, share a photo!
Are you trying this recipe? Use the comment form below to share your take; now with support for image uploads and comment voting!
Easy Maple Glazed Salmon
Recipe: Equipment
- cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet
Recipe: Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 6 medium boneless skinless salmon fillets 3-4 ounces each
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger finely grated
- a dash of Sriracha optional
- fresh chives and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Recipe: Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a large cast iron (or other oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper and add to the hot pan, top side down.
- Let the salmon brown until it's caramel-coloured on the first side (about 2 minutes) and then flip to brown on the other side.
- While the salmon is browning, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and Sriracha in a small bowl and pour it over the salmon fillets.
- Add the whole pan to the preheated oven, uncovered, and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Spoon the maple glaze over the salmon again before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives, if desired.
Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
TRY OUR MEAL PLAN BUNDLE!
Let us do the work for you with 11 WEEKS of deliciously easy family dinners, grocery lists, meal prep guides and so much MORE!
11 weeks of done-for-you family meal plans for only $9.99!
I’ve make quite a few of your recipes & so far they’ve all been great. Thank you for sharing.
You’re SO welcome! 🙂
Oh wow looks like a fabulous weeknight dinner! I’d love to try this, it’s so delicious and easy to make!
Thanks so much!
That maple glaze is calling my name!!! Want to make tonight!
Glad you like it!I hope you give it a try! 🙂
Every recipe of yours is a winner. People ask me to make them your Glazed Chocolate Donut cake — they all say it’s the best chocolate cake they ever had.
Thanks so much!!☺️
This is perfect for people who don’t usually love salmon (like me!). So much flavor! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you like this recipe! 🙂
This is one gorgeous looking salmon!
Thanks so much!
I need to try this immediately, it looks so good!
Thanks!
This is fantastic! Perfect meal any night of the week!
We agree 🙂
Could you use this as a marinate? Then, then cook in Air Fryer?
I’m sorry, I don’t have an Air Fryer, so I can’t comment on whether or not this would work.
Made this tonight. Had fantastic flavor and was super quick and easy. Cook time was perfect as I don’t like my salmon over done. However as soon as the dish came out of the oven the glaze quickly became very tacky and then hard. I couldn’t eat it without risk of chipping a tooth. I had to clear it off the salmon. Fortunately the flavor remained in the salmon itself and was still good. Any way to avoid this? I would like to make again.
It sounds like maybe your maple syrup wasn’t pure. When additional sugar is added to maple syrup (pancake syrup) it hardens when cooked much more than maple syrup.
PERFECT recipe, especially for someone who isn’t completely sold on fish. Totally delicious, even with garlic powder in place of garlic cloves.
Really wish I could post the picture of how beautiful this dish turned out!
I’m so glad you loved it!! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🙂
I really want to try this, but it’s just the two of us. Would this be ok as leftovers? Perhaps in a salad the next day?
For sure! I also eat it the next day over salad or even over some leftover coconut lime rice (https://thebusybaker.ca/easy-coconut-lime-rice/)
How do you reheat cooked salmon? What’s the best way? Thank you! 🙂
I usually reheat it in a nonstick pan with a touch of water on the side but it can also be microwaved.
Sounds yummy. We love salmon at our house. I usually do an olive oil and lemon juice marinade with oregano and parsley flakes and I want to try out this recipe to do something different. I have one question, do you remove the skin from the salmon before cooking?
I do remove the skin 🙂
This was absolutely superb. Btw, I flash sautéed bok choy, let it rest while I sautéed the salmon, then added the bok choy to the pan as I put it in the oven for 7 minutes. Awesome!
I love that addition! So glad you liked the recipe!
I made this tonight. It’s probably the 2nd time in my life that I cooked salmon, the first time being a total failure (overcooked).
I was nervous, but this recipe was a breeze. I am trying to incorporate more fish in our diet and this is perfect,
So happy to hear that it turned out delicious and that this recipe made you consider incorporating even more fish in your diet! Thank you Iolly!
This was so delicious. Changed my husband’s mind about salmon. Next time I’m going to copy Chris with bok Chou. Thank you.
Glad to hear he liked it so much!!🙂
Hi there! The first few times I made this it was sooo good and just perfect. Lately when I have made the recipe, the glaze burns off by the time I take it out of the oven. I don’t think I have changed anything and I am very careful about following measurements with this recipe. Could it be the Trader Joe’s organic maple syrup I’m using? Just wondering if you know what I could be doing wrong since I LOVE this recipe and want to get it perfect again
If you’re using Maple Syrup that has a high water content then that can definitely affect the recipe and how it turns out. I’d recommend using a high quality Maple Syrup and read the ingredients to make sure it’s pure 🙂
My husband cant stop raving. I threw red onions and mixed peppers in with the salmon
Thanks for your comment Julie!!🙂
I made this exactly as written and it was delicious! I fried the skin crispy in a separate frying pan. I’ve always preferred salmon poached in a white sauce but now I’m not sure, haha!
Glad you like it this way too!!🙂
Love the flavours!
Thanks Kathy!!
I’ve tried so many salmon recipes but this, by far, is the BEST ever. My husband usually prepares the salmon but I’ve been trying some skillet to oven recipes this year and this is the ONE! Follow it to the letter. Served it with roasted asparagus and parslied new potatoes.
Sounds delicious!! Glad you like the recipe!
Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.
You’re welcome!😊
Delicious and so easy
Thanks so much Lucinda!!
Loved this recipe. Just kept it on the stove though and simmered it for about 15 minutes and kept basting 😄
I know, it’s so easy and delicious!! Thanks Louise!
My first time making fresh salmon at home. I used this recipe and it was awesome!!!! I will definitely make this again….so easy and delicious 😋
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found it simple to make!! 🙂 Thanks Lynn!
If you don’t have an oven safe frying pan can you use a glass baking dish ?
Thank you
You can start cooking it in a normal pan on the stove and finish it off in the oven in a glass baking dish for sure! Happy cooking ☺️
My absolute favorite way to prepare salmon! At first I was skeptical because I love dill salmon and thought this would be too sweet, but it the perfect amount of sweet and salty, and a little spice from the sriracha. I made this for my boyfriend and family and it’s now the dish I make at places family dinners and it has made it into our weekly rotation. I promise if you try this it won’t disappoint.
We’re so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
I’ve made this several times now and it’s one of my favorite salmon recipes. I make extra sauce and also use cornstarch sometimes to thicken it up even more.
We’re so happy you are enjoying it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Delicious
We’re so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
I don’t rate recipes, and I should because I often read the ratings! This was so good. Will definitely make again. Sauce reminded us of Teppanyaki!
Thanks so much for the comment Katie, so happy to hear you like the recipe!!
This recipe was delish! My 13 year old son wanted to try salmon (he has only ever had candied before this once) so I picked this recipe to try. He LOVED it! Thank you for making his first impression great!
We’re so happy to hear that you and your son liked it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback ☺️
I had salmon fillets, which were not very thick, so I cooked in the pan for 2 minutes on one side flipped it over and added the sauce and stuck it in the oven right away for about 8 minutes. took the salmon out of the pan and reduced the sauce till it was thickened. served with braised bok choy. I will definitely make my salmon like this again…it was a huge hit!
We’re so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.
I made this tonight. It was fantastic, I’ll definitely be making this again, it’s going into my fave recipes box.
We’re so happy that you enjoyed our recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
salmon and maple are a match made in heaven. This recipe proves it. the sauce proportions are perfect! I served it with brocoli and bok choy braised in some chicken broth. the salmon was perfectly cooked after 9 minutes in the oven. once the salmon is plated, the sauce thickens as it cools down. wow…this was sooo goood….thank you for posting
This salmon was delicious and quick, as advertised. Thanks for the recipe. It’s going in my recipe file!
My husband doesn’t like salmon. Made this and he changed his mind.
That’s amazing to hear! Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback.
I have tried many variations of this recipe. This is our families favourite. Not too sweet. Very nice flavour
We’re happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.
This recipe has wonderful flavor and is so easy to make. We will definitely be making it again.
We’re happy to hear that, Tina! Thank you for your rating.
Delicious and very easy to make. Restaurant quality meal on the table in about 25 minutes
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!