Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) Salmon is the star of this dish. Choose fillets that are fresh and firm. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the fish moist while cooking. - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil This glaze brings the heat and sweetness. The maple syrup adds a rich flavor. Soy sauce adds depth, while Dijon mustard gives a nice tang. Sriracha gives the kick. Garlic and ginger boost the taste even more. - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish These fresh herbs add color and flavor. Cilantro gives a fresh twist, while green onions add crunch. Use them to elevate your dish’s look and taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the spicy maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1-2 tablespoons sriracha - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger Mix until smooth and all is combined. This glaze packs a punch with sweet and spicy flavors. Next, get your salmon ready. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the skin to get crispy and golden. Now it's time to bake the salmon. Carefully flip the fillets over and pour the spicy maple glaze over them. Make sure each fillet is well-coated. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and drizzle any leftover glaze on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your flavorful dish! To get the best glaze, mix the right ingredients. Use pure maple syrup for sweetness. Combine it with soy sauce for saltiness. Add Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. Sriracha brings heat. Adjust the sriracha to fit your taste. Mix in minced garlic and grated ginger for depth. Whisk until smooth. Coat your salmon well for flavor in every bite. Salmon cooks quickly, so watch it closely. First, sear it skin-side down for crispy texture. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip it gently to avoid breaking the fillet. Bake it in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Check for doneness by using a fork. The salmon should flake easily. If it flakes, it’s done. You can cook salmon in many ways. Searing gives a crispy skin and rich flavor. Baking is easy and keeps it moist. Broiling is great for a quick, charred finish. Grilling adds a smoky taste. Choose the method that suits your meal best. Each way can highlight that spicy maple glaze. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon, garlic, and ginger will enhance the flavor of the glaze significantly. Always try to use the freshest ingredients available. Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of sriracha can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer it spicier. Let it Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps retain the moisture and enhances the overall taste. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions not only add color but also a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step for a complete dish. {{image_2}} You can adjust the spice in this dish easily. If you like it mild, use less sriracha. Start with one tablespoon. For a medium heat, use the full two tablespoons. If you want a real kick, add even more sriracha. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it back once it's in. You can swap ingredients to fit your diet. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, try a sugar-free maple syrup. You can also replace salmon with other fish like trout or chicken. Both work well with the spicy maple glaze. You don’t have to bake the salmon if you prefer another method. You can grill the salmon for a smoky flavor. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out. You can also pan-sear it until it’s crispy, then finish cooking in the oven. Each method gives you a tasty, unique dish. After you enjoy your spicy maple glazed salmon, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the salmon cools down before sealing it tightly. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. You can freeze the salmon if you want to save it for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your salmon, use the oven or stovetop for best results. Set the oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until it warms up. If using the stovetop, place it in a pan on low heat for a few minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and tasty. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the fish. You can tell when salmon is done by checking its color and texture. Cooked salmon turns a light pink and flakes easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don't have a thermometer, try the fork test. Gently poke the fish. If it separates easily, it's ready. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just remember to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method. Seal the fish in a bag and submerge it in cold water. This method takes about an hour. Pat it dry before cooking. This helps the glaze stick better. There are many great sides to pair with this dish. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Quinoa salad - Garlic mashed potatoes - Brown rice - Mixed green salad Each of these sides brings different flavors and textures. They also complement the sweet and spicy notes of the salmon. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite combo! This article covered the key elements of making spicy maple glazed salmon. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods. I shared tips to achieve the ideal glaze and avoid overcooked salmon. You can explore various spice levels and ingredient swaps to fit your needs. Storing tips ensure your delicious salmon remains fresh. Cooking salmon can be simple and fun, so I hope this guide inspires you to try it. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite of this tasty dish!$

A deliciously spicy and sweet salmon dish glazed with maple syrup and sriracha.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined to create the glaze.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and pour the spicy maple glaze over them, ensuring each fillet is generously coated.
Transfer the skillet with the salmon to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the salmon warm, drizzled with any leftover glaze from the skillet, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.

Keyword glazed, maple syrup, salmon, spicy