Imagine a salmon dish so incredibly delicious that it transforms your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Our Maple Garlic Baked Salmon is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the salmon to cook evenly while caramelizing the maple syrup and garlic.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. This mixture will serve as your marinade and glaze for the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the maple garlic mixture over the salmon, ensuring that each fillet is well-coated. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
- While the salmon is marinating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- After marinating, remove the salmon fillets from the marinade and place them in the prepared baking dish. Reserve the leftover marinade for later use.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can brush the reserved marinade over the salmon for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the salmon moist.
- Serve the maple garlic baked salmon immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon works best for the most robust flavor and optimal texture.
- Don't skip the marinating step: Even 10 minutes of marinating can dramatically enhance the salmon's taste. For deeper flavor, marinate up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- Watch your baking time carefully: Salmon can quickly go from perfectly moist to dry. Use a fork to check for easy flaking, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For extra caramelization, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to create a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Let the salmon rest after cooking to help retain its moisture and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh dill, chives, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
