Description
This Easy Maple Sesame Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Topped with crunchy sesame seeds and finished with a rich maple glaze, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed (about 2 lbs total)
Marinade & Glaze
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (1 tablespoon per salmon fillet)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped scallion
Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, sealable container, or zipped-top bag. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this marinade over the salmon fillets, ensuring each is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish, seal the container, or close the bag tightly, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 8–9 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the lined baking sheet aside while you finish preparing the salmon.
- Arrange and Bake: Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the used marinade for later. Place the salmon fillets on the lined baking sheet. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over each fillet, using about 1 tablespoon per piece. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets—about 10 minutes per inch—until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily. For crispier edges, broil the salmon on high for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Make the Maple Glaze: While the salmon bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan or skillet. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a rich glaze.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the thickened maple glaze over the salmon fillets and garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- This recipe works well as a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Marinating the salmon longer (up to 8–9 hours) enhances the flavor deeply but 15 minutes is sufficient for a lighter taste.
- The reduced marinade glaze adds a beautiful savory-sweet finish to the dish.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice texture with crisp edges if desired.
- Be sure to monitor the baking time to prevent overcooking and maintain salmon’s moist texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
