Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets coated in a sweet, savory, and sticky maple soy glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (center-cut, about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil until combined.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
- Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the color changes from translucent pink to opaque orange halfway up the side.
- Flip the salmon carefully. Immediately pour the glaze mixture over the top of the fish.
- Let the glaze bubble and simmer for 2-3 minutes, using a spatula to baste the top of the fish frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the salmon.
- Remove the salmon from the pan to a plate and let it rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the remaining glaze from the pan over the salmon.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Patting the salmon dry is crucial for a good sear; wet fish will steam instead. Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for proper caramelization. Salmon continues to cook after removal from heat, so pull it at 140°F (60°C) for moist results. The glaze contains sugar and can burn easily, so keep heat at medium when adding the sauce. This recipe does not freeze well due to texture changes in the salmon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon, maple soy glaze, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy fish, easy recipe, 15 minute meals, keto friendly, low carb