Grilled Maple Salmon Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
50 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
58 mins
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Servings
6 salmon portions
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Maple Salmon Recipe
Description
The recipe begins with a marinade made from maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. Salmon fillets are marinated for 45 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. Grilling on an oiled grate over medium-high heat caramelizes the sugars and creates a tender, flaky texture inside. Cooking times vary by thickness, ensuring the fish is cooked through without drying out.
The reserved marinade is boiled down to a glaze and brushed on the salmon after grilling, adding a sticky, sweet-salty coating that intensifies the flavor. The glaze balances the rich salmon with maple's natural sweetness and soy's umami, accented by subtle garlic and sesame notes.
This salmon works well served alongside vegetables such as grilled zucchini or mashed potatoes, providing a balanced meal with contrasting textures. The maple glaze also suits fresh or roasted vegetables and rice.
The glaze is best prepared with fresh fish marinated shortly before cooking. When using previously frozen salmon, strain the marinade before boiling to remove any residue. The glaze can be omitted without losing the dish's core flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup maple syrup real
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic pressed or finely chopped, cloves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 to 2 1/2 lbs salmon cut into 6 (1-inch thick) portions, fillet
- 1/4 cup green onion finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Grilled Maple Salmon:
- Stir together marinade: 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 2 pressed garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp pepper (you can even combine it in the plastic bag to save a dish!).
- In a large zip-loc bag, combine salmon fillets with marinade and toss to combine. Seal the bag, removing excess air. Marinate in the refrigerator 45 minutes. Flipping the bag over halfway. Preheat Grill to medium/high heat.
- Remove salmon to a platter, reserving marinade. Oil the grates (dip a paper towel in oil and use tongs and an oven mitt for safety). Grill salmon skin-side-down over medium/high heat according to the chart below (this salmon took about 4 min per side). Carefully flip salmon over and continue grilling until salmon is flaky.
To Make the Maple Glaze:
- Transfer reserved marinade to a small sauce pan and boil it down over high heat whisking constantly for for 3-4 minutes, or until starting to thicken. Brush grilled salmon with soy-maple glaze and serve garnished with green onion if desired.
Notes
- Grill times vary by fillet thickness: around 4-5 minutes per side for 1" thick.
- Baking alternative: marinate and bake at 400˚F for 20 minutes until flaky.
- Serve with vegetables like grilled zucchini or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- When using thawed frozen salmon, strain marinade before boiling for the glaze to remove debris.
- The glaze enhances fresh fish but can be omitted without compromising taste.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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