Description
Easy Maple Sesame Salmon is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that pairs the rich flavor of fresh salmon with a sweet and nutty maple sesame glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and nutritious dish is perfect for busy evenings, using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a gourmet taste without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), fresh or thawed wild-caught
Marinade and Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until fully combined to create the flavorful glaze.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the sweet and savory flavors.
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface with a neutral oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the excess liquid. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes. Carefully flip and pour the reserved marinade over the top. Cook another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the cooked salmon. Finish with a fresh grinding of black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh Fish Matters: Use the freshest salmon available for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate no longer than 15 minutes to avoid overpowering the salmon.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking on medium to medium-high heat creates a caramelized crust without drying out the fish.
- Reserve Marinade: Pouring reserved marinade over the salmon while cooking enhances flavor and moisture.
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before garnishing for extra crunch and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg