Description
Chili Maple Glazed Salmon is a quick and easy dish bursting with bold sweet and spicy flavors. Featuring fresh salmon fillets glazed with a perfectly balanced mixture of pure maple syrup, chili powder, soy sauce, and lemon juice, this recipe delivers a beautifully caramelized, glossy finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, it combines healthy omega-3 rich salmon with a flavorful, sticky glaze that’s sure to impress with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Chili Maple Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the pure maple syrup, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl until fully combined. This glaze balances sweetness with spicy and savory notes.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to create a clean flavor base.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the chili maple glaze over the top of each salmon fillet. The glaze will caramelize during cooking, resulting in a glossy finish.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes to crisp the skin. Flip the fillets, brush with more glaze, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Optional Finish Under Broiler: For an extra caramelized top, place the glazed salmon under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step adds a golden crust to the glaze.
Notes
- Use room temperature salmon: let fillets sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Remove salmon when it flakes easily but remains moist and tender.
- Keep skin-on for crispiness and to help hold the fillet together.
- Brush glaze multiple times during cooking for a thick, sticky coating.
- Rest salmon a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maximize tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and broiling (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg