I’m trying to settle back into the routine of things at home after a little over a week in Israel. It’s going to take me a while to sum up the incredible experiences I had there, but I’ll preface it by saying that was truly a life changing experience. While I’m definitely sleep-deprived, my soul feels peaceful and happy. Over the next few weeks, my plan is to break down my trip by experience and through recipes I enjoyed while abroad.
In the meantime, I’ve got some tasty easy meals coming for you because I know how hectic the holiday season gets. After a long day at work and feeling the chill as the winter months approach, the last thing you want to do is cook. That’s why I’m determined to bring you easy 30 minute meals and snacks.
And Thanksgiving meals too. I’ve got those coming for you shortly! If you have any last minute requests, I’m all ears.
Now, let’s talk salmon!
What I really love about salmon is that it feels like a fancy date night meal. In reality, salmon takes about 20 minutes to bake, and can be seasoned or marinated in whatever your heart desires. This spicy maple salmon is FABULOUS because it is both sweet and a little bit spicy. There’s also a little tang from dijon mustard and soy, which helps bring all of the flavors together beautifully.
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First, choose your salmon
If you haven’t made salmon before, then I suggest you try to incorporate it into your diet more. You might already know this, but it’s a wonderful source of healthy fats, omega-3, and protein. For the longest time, we didn’t eat salmon much, but ever since we made my blackened salmon tacos last year, I’ve been going crazy with easy salmon recipes. And I’ve noticed such a difference in the look and feel of my skin.
You can choose wild or farmed salmon for this recipe:
- Farm-raised salmon tends to be milder in flavor and more fatty/buttery in texture
- Wild salmon can be a little more spendy but is leaner, pinker, and higher in minerals such zinc and iron. Both are delicious!
The perfect spicy maple salmon glaze
This flavorful, spicy maple glaze is SO easy to make and will take your regular salmon to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Maple syrup: for the perfect amount of sweetness and maple flavor.
- Soy sauce: I love the salty, savory flavor that soy sauce adds. I recommend using a low sodium soy sauce so that the salmon isn’t overly salty (you can always add more salt!)
- Mustard: a little dijon mustard adds a necessary tang.
- Herbs & spices: we’re finishing off the marinade with chili powder, fresh garlic, and cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
Not into spicy?
Feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to make your salmon less spicy, and be sure to use a mild chili powder like McCormick.
How to bake perfect maple salmon
- Prep your pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and add your salmon filets to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the glaze. Mix together the glaze ingredients, set a tablespoon of the glaze aside, and then brush the rest over the salmon.
- Bake your salmon. For every inch of thickness, bake the salmon for 15 minutes. My salmon is usually perfect around 16-18 minutes.
- Glaze again & serve. Once the salmon is done, add the remaining glaze and serve!
Can I grill the salmon?
Of course! Get all of my tips and tricks for grilling salmon here and enjoy it on the grill all year long.
Delicious recipes to serve with maple salmon
Get all of my side dish recipes here!
More seafood recipes you’ll love
Get all of my seafood recipes here!
I hope you love this spicy maple salmon recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon for Two!
Spicy Glazed Maple Salmon for two makes the perfect weeknight dinner. All you need is 20 minutes to make this healthy meal. Serve with sweet potato fries and veggies, or a lovely kale and brussels sprouts salad!
Ingredients
-
2 – 6
oz
wild salmon filets (12 oz total) -
1
tablespoon
pure maple syrup -
1
tablespoon
reduced sodium soy sauce -
1
teaspoon
dijon mustard -
1
teaspoon
chili powder -
1/4
teaspoon
cayenne pepper -
1
garlic clove, minced
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the glaze from burning. Place salmon filets 2 inches apart on parchment paper.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, dijon mustard, chili powder, cayenne pepper and garlic. Pour or generously brush the glaze over the salmon, reserving 1 tablespoon for glazing once salmon is done. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is done and flakes with a fork. For every inch of salmon filet thickness, you’ll need to bake for 15 minutes. Usually 18 minutes is perfect for me.
-
Once salmon is done baking, remove from oven and pour remaining glaze on top. Enjoy! Serves 2.
Nutrition
Servings: 2 servings
Serving size: 1 salmon filet
Calories: 282kcal
Fat: 11g
Saturated fat: 1.6g
Carbohydrates: 8.1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 34.6g