Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and broiling. This helps the rub stick properly and ensures even cooking.

Should I remove the skin before broiling?

You don’t have to—the skin helps keep the fillet juicy. After broiling, it peels off easily if you prefer not to eat it.

What if I don’t have a broiler?

No worries. Bake at 425°F for about 12-14 minutes or until the salmon flakes, then brush with maple syrup and finish under the hottest setting on your oven for those last bubbling minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can absolutely broil the salmon earlier in the day, glaze and finish it just before dinner. Leftovers also make a great next-day lunch.

Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Name: Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. wild salmon fillets; Big pinch of salt and pepper; Light oil for greasing (olive oil or any neutral oil, as needed); 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon coconut sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Description

This Maple Glazed Salmon is a quick and healthy main-course featuring juicy wild salmon fillets broiled to perfection with a smoky-sweet chili spice rub and finished with a bubbling maple glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, this simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon

1 lb. wild salmon fillets
Big pinch of salt and pepper
Light oil for greasing (olive oil or any neutral oil, as needed)

For the Spice Rub

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coconut sugar

For the Glaze

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat the Broiler – Set your oven broiler on high and allow it to preheat while you prepare the salmon. This ensures the oven is hot and ready for a quick, even cook.
Prepare the Salmon – Lightly oil the wild salmon fillets and arrange them skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Season the salmon generously with a big pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor.
Make the Spice Rub – In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, paprika, and coconut sugar. This mixture provides a smoky and slightly sweet base for the dish.
Season the Salmon – Evenly rub the chili-paprika-coconut sugar blend on top of each salmon fillet, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Broil the Salmon – Place the seasoned salmon under the broiler and cook until the fish is lightly golden on top and cooked through, about 8 minutes. The fish should be light and flaky when done.
Glaze and Finish – Remove the salmon from the oven and immediately brush the top of each fillet with pure maple syrup. Return the salmon to the broiler for 1-2 more minutes, until the maple glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Serve – Remove from the oven and serve the maple glazed salmon immediately, enjoying its perfectly balanced sweet and smoky flavor.

Notes

This recipe was originally published in 2014 and rephotographed in 2020.
For best results, use pure maple syrup and wild salmon.
Adjust broiling time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Watch closely during the final broil to prevent burning the glaze.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 lb fillet
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 80mg