I made this Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe on a busy evening when I wanted something quick but still special. The sweet maple glaze caramelized beautifully and coated the salmon with so much flavor. I loved how everything cooked in one pan, which meant less mess and faster cleanup.
The salmon turned out tender, flaky, and perfectly glazed. This is one of those recipes I know I’ll keep making again and again. You can also enjoy a comforting Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup alongside it for a hearty meal.
Ingredients for Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon
- 6 salmon fillets (about 3–4 ounces each) – Fresh salmon works best for a flaky texture; avoid frozen if possible as it releases extra moisture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and gives the salmon a beautiful golden sear.
- Salt, to taste – Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
- Black pepper, to taste – Adds mild warmth that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup – Use real maple syrup for deep flavor and proper caramelization; artificial syrup won’t give the same result.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Brings savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced – Fresh garlic gives stronger and more aromatic flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated – Fresh ginger adds warmth and brightness that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Dash of sriracha (optional) – Adds gentle heat if you like a slightly spicy glaze. You might also enjoy the gentle heat of a White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe as a side option.
- Chopped chives or sesame seeds (optional garnish) – Adds color, crunch, and a fresh finishing touch.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 6 people based on the ingredient quantities listed above.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize depending on your preferences.
- Sugar-free option: Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free maple-style syrup or a light honey substitute.
- Spicy version: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the glaze.
- Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
- Asian-inspired flavor: Add a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce for extra depth.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Oven-safe skillet – for searing and baking the salmon in one pan
- Mixing bowl – to combine the maple glaze ingredients
- Whisk or spoon – to mix the glaze smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping the salmon gently
How to Make Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon?
This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the glaze thicken perfectly while baking.
Heat the Skillet
Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let the pan heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
Season and Sear the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them skin-side up in the hot skillet and let them sear for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Flip the Salmon
Carefully flip the fillets so the other side sears briefly. This helps lock in moisture and gives the salmon great texture.
Prepare the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and optional sriracha until well combined.
Bake the Salmon
Pour the glaze evenly over the salmon and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and spoon extra glaze over the fillets. Garnish with chives or sesame seeds before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, here’s what I’ve learned:
- I always pat the salmon dry before cooking to get a better sear.
- I like letting the glaze warm slightly before baking so it thickens faster.
- I’ve found that slightly undercooking the salmon keeps it juicy and tender.
- I sometimes add fresh herbs at the end for extra freshness and color.
How to Serve Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love serving it over steamed rice or quinoa so the glaze soaks in nicely. Roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or mashed potatoes also work perfectly. For presentation, drizzle extra glaze on the plate and add a lemon wedge for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 290
- Protein: About 25g, making it very filling
- Carbohydrates: Around 23g, mostly from the maple glaze
- Fat: About 14g, primarily healthy fats from salmon
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Let the salmon cool completely before storing.
Freezing
Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish is a favorite:
- It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy.
- The sweet and savory glaze tastes restaurant-quality.
- It’s nutritious, filling, and family-friendly.
- You can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste.
Easy One Pan Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the glaze thicken perfectly while baking.
- Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let the pan heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them skin-side up in the hot skillet and let them sear for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Carefully flip the fillets so the other side sears briefly. This helps lock in moisture and gives the salmon great texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and optional sriracha until well combined.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the salmon and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and spoon extra glaze over the fillets. Garnish with chives or sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- I always pat the salmon dry before cooking to get a better sear.
- I like letting the glaze warm slightly before baking so it thickens faster.
- I’ve found that slightly undercooking the salmon keeps it juicy and tender.
- I sometimes add fresh herbs at the end for extra freshness and color.