Maple-Dijon Glazed Salmon
Flaky, tender salmon fillets with a sticky-sweet maple and tangy Dijon mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. An elegant weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- mix
Make the maple-Dijon glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth and combined.
- prep
Season and glaze the salmon.
1.Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.2.Season both sides of each fillet with salt and black pepper.3.Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.4.Brush the maple-Dijon glaze generously over the top and sides of each fillet.TIPPatting the salmon dry helps the glaze adhere better and promotes caramelization. - bake · ~9 min
Broil the salmon until caramelized and cooked through.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and broil for 8-10 minutes. The glaze should bubble and darken around the edges, and the salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. Internal temperature should reach 135-140°F for medium doneness.
TIPWatch closely after 6 minutes — the sugars in maple syrup can burn quickly under high heat. - garnish
Garnish and serve.
Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheet. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the salmon fillets very dry so the glaze sticks and caramelizes instead of steaming.
- 2Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor and proper caramelization.
- 3Watch the salmon closely after 6 minutes of broiling to prevent the sugars from burning.
- 4Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute.
- 5For even cooking, make sure fillets are similar in thickness (about 1-inch thick).
- 6Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup — the sticky glaze can be tough to scrub.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy maple
Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a squeeze of sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-heat kick.
herb crustHerb crust
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or thyme over the glazed salmon before broiling for an herbal note.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace half the maple syrup with a sugar-free maple alternative to reduce sugar while keeping the glaze texture.
sesame gingerSesame ginger
Swap Dijon for 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and top with sesame seeds after broiling.
dairy freeDairy-free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free; just ensure your Dijon mustard contains no dairy additives.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Salmon is packed with EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
High-Quality Protein
A single fillet provides about 30 grams of complete protein to aid muscle repair and satiety.
Low in Saturated Fat
Unlike many meat glazes, this recipe uses a minimal amount of olive oil, keeping saturated fat low.
Antioxidant Boost
Pure maple syrup contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants, while garlic offers immune-supporting compounds.
Vitamin D Source
Salmon is one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, important for bone health and immunity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry before glazing to avoid steaming.
