Description

This Easy Maple Sesame Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in a blend of pure maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. The sesame seed topping adds a delightful crunch, while a reduced marinade glaze elevates the dish with a rich, glossy finish. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, this recipe is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets, skin removed (about 2 lbs total)

Marinade

1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Topping and Garnish

1/4 cup sesame seeds (1 tablespoon per salmon fillet)
Optional: chopped scallion for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, sealable container, or zipped-top bag. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly coated. Cover the container or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 8–9 hours for more flavor infusion.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Set the baking sheet aside.
Bake the Salmon: Arrange the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each fillet evenly with sesame seeds. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, adjusting cooking time based on thickness (approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness). The salmon is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For crispier edges, broil the salmon on high for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Make the Glaze: While the salmon is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan or skillet. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, forming a rich glaze.
Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven once cooked. Drizzle the thickened maple glaze over the fillets and garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a delightful, flavorful meal.

Notes

This quick and flavorful salmon dish offers a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and savory soy sauce complemented by fragrant sesame oil.
Reducing the marinade not only ensures food safety but also creates a delicious, sticky glaze that enhances the salmon’s flavor and presentation.
Broiling at the end gives the salmon crispy edges for added texture; however, this is optional based on your preference.
Measure the fillet thickness to ensure proper cooking time and avoid over or undercooking the salmon.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approximately 5 oz)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg