Only 5 minutes to prep this simple baked Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon. The light, flaky salmon brightened with citrus and finished with sweet, rich maple creates a flavor combination that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve alongside a simple salad and rice for an easy, satisfying meal.
Salmon is an ideal choice when you want something flavorful and nutritious. This maple-citrus glazed salmon is quick to make, delivers tender, flaky fish and a tangy-sweet sauce that matches many side dishes.
The glaze comes together in minutes: maple syrup, orange, garlic and soy (or tamari). It bakes into a glossy coating that caramelizes slightly under the broiler for a lovely finish. Pair the salmon with rice and vegetables, a green salad, or grain-based salads for a complete meal.
If you like other salmon preparations, this recipe complements favorites such as Instant Pot salmon, grilled fillets, pesto roasted salmon sheet-pan dinners or Greek-style salmon rice bowls. But for a fast, elegant weeknight option, this orange-maple salmon is a standout.
Why You Will Love This Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon:
- Bright citrus balance. Fresh orange juice and zest add a bright, slightly acidic note that lifts the richness of the maple.
- Minimal prep time. Whisk the glaze, coat the salmon and bake—only five minutes of hands-on work.
- Simple ingredients. Pantry staples plus a fresh orange create a flavorful glaze without fuss.
- Versatile with sides. Serve over rice, alongside roasted or steamed vegetables, or over a salad—this salmon pairs nicely with many options.
Ingredients:
- Salmon: Choose fillets you prefer. Frozen salmon is convenient and can be thawed when ready to cook.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is recommended for brightness.
- Orange zest: Reserve a little for serving.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for maximum flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Use tamari for gluten-free; a lower-sodium option works well if preferred.
- Salt and pepper
How to Make this Maple Citrus Glazed Salmon:
- Combine maple syrup, soy sauce (or tamari), orange juice, orange zest and minced garlic in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pat salmon fillets dry, place skin-side down in the pan and season with salt and pepper.
- Brush about two-thirds of the glaze over the salmon. For best flavor, let the salmon sit with the glaze for 20–30 minutes at room temperature; if you chill it for longer, bring it to room temperature about 20 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the salmon for 12–14 minutes, depending on thickness, until it is nearly cooked through.
- Spoon the remaining glaze over the fillets and broil on high for 2–4 minutes until the edges are golden and slightly crisp and the fish reaches your desired doneness (USDA recommends 145°F). Let rest a few minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley and orange slices if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Prevent splatter. The glaze can bubble and splatter while baking. Tent lightly with foil if you wish, but remove it before broiling.
- Check thickness and temperature. Fillet thickness affects cook time—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Adjust doneness to taste. While 145°F is the suggested internal temperature, many prefer salmon slightly less cooked. Remove from the oven when it reaches your ideal temperature.
- Leave skin on while cooking. Keeping the skin helps retain moisture; you can remove it after cooking if you prefer.
Storage:
Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container with any extra glaze poured over the top for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
To freeze, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Ways to Vary This Citrus Glazed Salmon:
- Add minced fresh ginger to the orange glaze for a warm, spicy note.
- Use different citrus: try blood orange, add lemon or lime juice and zest for variation.
- Stir in a little brown sugar for extra caramelization.
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for heat.
Other simple dinner recipes:
- Orange Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Parmesan Crusted Steak Dinner
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos
- 15 Minute Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Simple Spicy Black Bean Burgers
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Orange and Maple Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb salmon, cut into 3-4 fillets if desired
- 1/3 c maple syrup
- 2 T soy sauce or tamari
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 T orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
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Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce (or tamari), orange juice, orange zest and garlic until combined.
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Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with oil, place salmon skin-side down, and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
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Spread about two-thirds of the glaze over the fillets and chill 20–30 minutes for best results.
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Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 12–14 minutes or until nearly cooked through. Brush with remaining glaze and broil 2–4 minutes until golden and crisp at the edges and the salmon reaches desired doneness.
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Remove and let rest a few minutes. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.
Notes
- The glaze will splatter while baking. Tent with foil if desired, removing it for the broil step.
- Fillet thickness changes cook time. A meat thermometer helps determine doneness accurately.
- Adjust internal temperature to preference. If the fish reaches your preferred temperature before broiling, skip the broil to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Glass 9×13 inch Baking Dish
Meat Thermometer
Silicone Flexible Turner
Zester
Citrus Juicer