You know those nights when you want something healthy but crave that sticky-sweet satisfaction? That’s exactly why this maple glazed salmon has become my go-to weeknight hero. Picture this: tender salmon fillets caramelized with just-enough-sweet maple syrup, roasting alongside a rainbow of crisp-tender vegetables – all ready in about 30 minutes flat. I discovered this combo when my sister visited last fall, raving about Vermont maple syrup she’d brought. One experimental dinner later, and we were scraping our plates clean! The magic happens when the maple glaze bubbles up around the salmon edges, creating this irresistible sweet-savory crust while the veggies get roasty-crisp in the same pan. No fancy skills needed – just good ingredients and one baking sheet for the easiest cleanup ever.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe checks all the boxes for those “I need dinner NOW” nights. Here’s why it’s become my weekly rotation MVP:
- 30 minutes start to finish – Prep is just chopping veggies and brushing salmon. The oven does the heavy lifting while you set the table
- Sweet-salty magic – That maple glaze caramelizes into this glossy, finger-licking crust that’s not too sweet thanks to the savory salmon
- One-pan wonder – Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan (hello, easy cleanup!)
- Weeknight superhero – Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for tired Tuesday nights when takeout tempts you
Ingredients for Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of key ingredients that pack serious flavor:
- 2 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on – Look for bright pink, firm flesh (wild-caught if possible)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup – The real stuff makes all the difference!
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For tossing the veggies
- 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper – Basic seasoning that makes everything pop
- 2 cups mixed vegetables – I use 1/2-inch diced carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced red bell peppers for color
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Out of maple syrup? Honey or brown sugar work in a pinch (reduce amount slightly). Swap veggies based on what’s in season – just avoid watery ones like zucchini unless you pat them super dry. Frozen salmon? Thaw completely and pat dry to prevent steaming. For extra zing, add minced garlic or orange zest to the glaze!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basics from your kitchen – you probably have them already! A sturdy baking sheet, parchment paper (lifesaver for cleanup), a small mixing bowl for the glaze, and a basting brush to paint that maple goodness onto the salmon. That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Here’s how we make magic happen in under 30 minutes – trust me, even my 10-year-old niece can nail this recipe! The key is preheating your oven and prepping everything before we start. That way, you’re not scrambling while the salmon overcooks (we’ve all been there).
Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Vegetables
First thing – pat those salmon fillets dry with paper towels! This helps the glaze stick better and gives you that perfect caramelized crust. For the veggies, chop them into even, bite-sized pieces – about ½-inch thick works best. It makes all the difference for even roasting. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they’re nicely coated.
Step 2: Apply the Maple Glaze
Now for the fun part! Whisk together the maple syrup with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use a basting brush to generously coat the salmon tops and sides – but save about 1 teaspoon of glaze for drizzling at the end. Pro tip: lift the fillets slightly to glaze underneath the edges too!
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the salmon in the center of your lined baking sheet with veggies scattered around. Pop it in the middle rack of your preheated 375°F oven. Set a timer for 20 minutes – no peeking! When the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the veggies have crispy edges, you’re golden. That reserved maple glaze? Drizzle it over right before serving for extra glossy deliciousness.
Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Salmon
After making this recipe dozens of times (yes, we’re obsessed!), I’ve picked up a few tricks for foolproof results every time:
- Fresh is best – That shiny, firm salmon at the fish counter makes all the difference in texture and flavor compared to previously frozen
- Give veggies room to breathe – Spread them in a single layer with space between pieces so they roast instead of steam
- Watch that glaze! – If the maple starts browning too fast, loosely tent the salmon with foil while the veggies finish cooking
Serving Suggestions
This maple glazed salmon practically begs to be served with something bright and fresh! My go-to is a big scoop of fluffy quinoa or a citrusy arugula salad to balance the rich salmon. For that final “chef’s kiss,” sprinkle chopped fresh dill or chives over everything – the green confetti makes it look fancy with zero effort. Sometimes I’ll even throw some roasted lemon wedges on the side for squeezing – that little hit of acidity cuts through the sweetness perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Store your maple glazed salmon and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days – though honestly, mine never lasts that long! When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy salmon = sad dinner). Instead, pop it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until just warmed through. This keeps that gorgeous glaze shiny and the salmon moist instead of rubbery. Pro tip: sprinkle a few drops of water over the veggies before reheating to keep them from drying out!
Nutritional Information
Just to give you a ballpark (because let’s be real – my heavy-handed maple pours might differ from yours!), one serving clocks in around 350 calories with 18g of healthy fats and 25g of protein. Exact numbers vary based on your salmon size and veggie mix, but this meal keeps things balanced while tasting downright indulgent!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this maple glazed salmon recipe all the time – here are the top questions that pop up from friends trying it for the first time:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight first. Pat those fillets extra dry – frozen salmon releases more moisture, and we want that gorgeous caramelization, not steamed fish!
How to adjust for thicker fillets?
No sweat! If your salmon’s over 1-inch thick, just add 5 minutes to the bake time. Check for doneness by peeking at the thickest part – it should flake easily but still look moist inside.
Best veggie substitutes?
Root veggies like sweet potatoes or parsnips roast beautifully, and zucchini works if you slice it thick and pat it bone-dry. My winter go-to? Brussels sprouts tossed with maple syrup – they caramelize like candy!
Print30-Minute Maple Glazed Salmon That Melts in Your Mouth
A delicious and healthy salmon dish glazed with maple syrup, served with roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
- Brush salmon with maple syrup.
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange vegetables around salmon.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best results.
- Adjust baking time based on salmon thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg