Sweet & Sticky Maple Glazed Salmon: Your New Weeknight Hero

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2

   Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and soy sauce until well combined. This is your maple glaze.
4. 4

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is excellent) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If skinless, sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
5. 5

   Flip the salmon fillets. Reduce the heat to medium. Brush about half of the maple glaze generously over the top of each fillet.
6. 6

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
7. 7

   While the salmon roasts, toss the trimmed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. You can roast them alongside the salmon (if space allows) for the last 5-7 minutes, or cook them separately on the stovetop or grill until tender-crisp.
8. 8

   Once the salmon is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the top of the hot salmon fillets. Let the salmon rest for 1-2 minutes.
9. 9

   Serve the sweet maple glazed salmon immediately with the roasted asparagus and fresh lemon wedges.