Baked Salmon with Maple, Garlic & Soy Sauce Glaze

Baked salmon with maple garlic soy glaze—an easy meal with simple ingredients, quick cook time, and flavor the whole family loves.

Baked Salmon with maple glaze

If you’re looking for a flavorful and healthy dinner option that comes together quickly, this Baked Salmon with Maple, Garlic & Soy Sauce Glaze is one of the best ways to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers bold flavors and an elegant presentation, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and dinner parties. The combination of maple syrup, garlic, and salty soy sauce creates a sweet-savory balance that complements salmon beautifully.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile and forgiving. Whether you choose to bake salmon in the oven or pan-sear it, you’ll end up with juicy, flaky salmon filets packed with flavor. Plus, with easy cleanup thanks to parchment paper and a short cook time of just 10–15 minutes in a preheated oven, you’ll find this to be one of your favorite ways to prepare salmon for the whole family.


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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients: Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, this salmon recipe proves that you don’t need anything complicated for a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Quick cook time: With only 10–15 minutes in the oven, this salmon bakes to perfection in no time.
  • Versatile preparation: You can bake salmon in a baking dish or pan-sear it on the stovetop depending on your preference.
  • Healthy and balanced: Salmon fillets are rich in omega-3s, while the maple soy glaze adds big flavor without being heavy.
  • Easy cleanup: Using parchment paper or a baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze.

ingredients in baked salmon with maple glaze

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: About 6 oz each. Choose skin-on filets for best flavor and moisture.
  • Olive oil: Helps carry the flavor of the glaze and keeps the salmon from drying out.
  • Soy sauce: Use regular or low sodium soy sauce, or swap in coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • Pure maple syrup: The key to the maple garlic glaze. It balances the salty soy sauce with natural sweetness.
  • Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds sharper flavor, but garlic powder works just as well for convenience.
  • Black pepper & salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.

Optional additions: a splash of sesame oil for a nutty note, or extra spices like ginger for more complexity.


How to Make the Recipe

  1. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce (or low sodium soy sauce), pure maple syrup, garlic powder or fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish or zip-top bag. Pour the maple soy mixture over the salmon, making sure to coat all sides. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
  3. Cook:
    • Oven method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake salmon for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until it flakes easily with a fork.
    • Pan-seared method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon, skin side down, for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra glaze as it cooks.
  4. Finish & serve: Spoon any leftover glaze over the top of the salmon before serving. Pair with sides like green beans, brussels sprouts, bok choy, or a green salad for a complete meal.

freshly baked salmon

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftover salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes, or enjoy cold on top of salads for an easy meal. You can also freeze cooked salmon filets for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.


Tips for Making the Recipe

  • For the best flavor, allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Adjust cook time based on the thickness of your salmon—thicker filets may need closer to 15 minutes, while thinner ones may be done in 10.
  • Always start with the salmon skin side down when pan-searing to get a crisp texture.
  • For an even easier cleanup, line your baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add a splash of sesame oil to the glaze for extra depth.
  • If using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, you may want to reduce the maple syrup slightly since coconut aminos are naturally sweeter.

Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or looking for a new twist on your usual salmon glaze, this maple soy salmon recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal prep, a short cook time, and flavors that the whole family will love, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your list of easy salmon recipes. Print or save the recipe card and give it a try—you’ll see why this easy meal is one of our favorite ways to enjoy salmon.


FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon filets?

Yes, just thaw them completely in the fridge before marinating so the glaze sticks.

What sides go best with this maple salmon?

Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, sautéed bok choy, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad are some of the best ways to serve it.

Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey, but the combination of maple syrup and soy sauce gives the classic maple garlic glaze flavor.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The best way is to check that it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Definitely! Bake salmon ahead of time, store in an airtight container, and reheat for a quick, healthy option during a busy weeknight.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can lightly oil a baking dish or baking sheet instead.

Is this one of the easy salmon recipes for beginners?

Absolutely! With just a few basic ingredients and a straightforward method, it’s one of the easiest salmon bakes you can try.

Pair with a Salad

Baked Salmon with maple glaze

Baked Salmon with Maple, Garlic & Soy Sauce Glaze

Baked salmon with maple garlic soy glaze—an easy meal with simple ingredients, quick cook time, and flavor the whole family loves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating TIme 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 24 oz salmon cut into 4 equal pieces
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate salmon: Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the salmon, coating well. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
  • Cooking methods:
    Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
    Pan-seared: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade as it cooks.
  • Finish & serve: Spoon any leftover sauce over the salmon before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 579mgPotassium: 873mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 68IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg
Keyword 5 ingredient, baked, fish, heart healthy, maple syrup, omega 3, oven, salmon, soy sauce
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