Salmon always feels a little fancy without being a lot of work, and this Lemon-Maple-Glazed Side of Salmon proves that a few good ingredients, including the best seasoning for salmon, can result in a complete showstopper, whether serving it on a random Tuesday night or plating it up for a big family holiday. The glaze? It’s sweet, tangy, and full of fresh herbs. The salmon? Perfectly flaky and juicy every single time.
Here’s what you need to know to bring this superstar dish to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon
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1 (2–3 lb) side of salmon
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Sea salt, to taste
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Paprika, to taste
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Onion powder, to taste
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Garlic powder, to taste
(You can also sprinkle on your favorite seafood seasoning — more on that below.)
For the Lemon-Maple Glaze,
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¼ cup pure Crown maple syrup
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2 tablespoons apricot jam
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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3 cloves garlic, crushed
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1½ teaspoons dried dill)
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
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Dill fronds, for garnish (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Make the Glaze
Before you even think about the salmon, whip up the glaze. It’s fast, easy, and you’ll want to put it on everything.
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Whisk together the maple syrup, apricot jam, lemon juice, ketchup, crushed garlic, dill, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
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Whisk until the glaze is smooth and everything is well combined.
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Set the glaze aside — but maybe hide it because it smells incredible already.
Prepare the Salmon
Here’s where the magic starts.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
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Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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Dab the top of the salmon dry with a paper towel — this little move helps the glaze stick better.
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Season the salmon lightly with sea salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you want a little extra kick, add a sprinkle of your favorite seafood seasoning. Shop our collection to find the best seasoning for salmon!
Glaze and Bake
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Brush a generous layer of the lemon-maple glaze over the salmon.
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Let the salmon rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This quick rest helps the glaze start to stick.
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Bake the salmon uncovered for 10 minutes on the center rack of your oven.
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Remove from the oven and baste again with a generous brushing of glaze.
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Return the pan to the oven and repeat the basting every 10 minutes for a total baking time of 30–35 minutes.
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Give it one final glaze when it comes out of the oven.
Tip: Wash and dry the basting brush that touched the raw fish before using it again on the cooked fish to avoid any cross-contamination.
Why This Lemon-Maple Salmon Recipe Works Every Time
There’s no shortage of salmon recipes out there, but this one hits all the right notes — it’s sweet without being sugary, savory without being heavy, and packed with the brightness of fresh lemon and dill.
In addition, the glaze caramelizes just enough in the oven to give the salmon a glossy finish that looks stunning on the plate.
The dish makes people think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you did.
You really can’t go wrong. Salmon is super forgiving and pairs well with lots of flavor profiles.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
You can make this using fillets if you don’t have a whole salmon side. Here’s how:
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Bake the fillets at 400°F for 15–17 minutes, depending on their size.
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Baste once halfway through and again when they come out of the oven.
Alternatively, this glaze is also delicious brushed onto other types of fish, like trout, or even used on roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon-Maple Glazed Salmon shines on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides takes it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
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A bright green salad tossed with vinaigrette.
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Roasted asparagus or broccolini
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Wild rice pilaf with herbs and lemon zest.
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A simple orzo pasta with olive oil and garlic.
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Blistered cherry tomatoes and crusty bread for a rustic touch.
Whatever you serve it with, save a little extra glaze to drizzle over everything.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon Without Drying It Out
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep well:
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Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet and warm in a 275°F oven for 10–12 minutes until just heated through.
Alternatively, leftover salmon is excellent flaked over a salad or tucked into a wrap with some greens and a slight extra lemon drizzle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple-Glazed Salmon
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the glaze a day or two ahead. Store it in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before using.
The salmon is best baked fresh, so you get that perfectly flaky texture.
Do I have to use dill?
If you’re not a fan of dill, you can swap it for chopped parsley, basil, or even a little thyme. It’s flexible!
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Skip anything labeled “pancake syrup” because it usually has added corn syrup and lacks the rich depth pure maple syrup gives.
Final Thoughts
This lemon-maple glazed salmon side is one recipe that instantly became a favorite. It’s easy for a weeknight but gorgeous enough for a special occasion. Every bite is perfectly balanced between sweet, tangy, and savory.
The glaze clings to the fish and caramelizes into a sticky coating that’s pure magic. The salmon stays juicy and tender without any guesswork.
Once you taste it, you’ll see why this recipe isn't going anywhere from your regular dinner rotation anytime soon.
Recipe by Rivky Kleiman
Reprinted from Simply Cookbook (our product) with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publishers
Photo credit: Chay Photography
Food styling: Renee Muller
