Some nights, we just need a simple and delicious dinner that comes together without any fuss, and this Garlic & Maple Salmon is exactly that. It’s one of my go-to meals when time is short but I still want something light, healthy and full of flavour. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes and leaves you feeling so satisfied.
I love serving this salmon alongside ‘Ben’s Original Brown, Red, and Wild Rice Medley’, with a ‘mixed leaf with beetroot and carrot’ salad bag. It’s colourful, wholesome, and feels a little bit special, even on a busy weeknight.
One of my favourite little time-savers with this meal is making the sauce ahead of time. I just pop everything into a jar, give it a shake, and it’s ready to go. It makes those busy weeknights feel a little bit easier.
Can I Bake It Instead of Browning in the Pan?
Yes, absolutely! If you’d prefer less fuss, you can skip the step of browning the salmon and place the seasoned fillets straight into an oven-safe dish. Pour the sauce over the top and bake at 180°C for around 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
It won’t have that same golden colour on top, but the flavour is still lovely and it gives you a little extra time to relax while everything cooks.
A Few Extra Tips
For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a little lime over the salmon before serving.
Don’t skip the sauce, it’s what makes this dish so incredibly moreish and it wouldn’t be garlic and maple salmon without it!
This recipe is lovely for meal prepping too, the salmon keeps beautifully and can be enjoyed cold over salad the next day.
Garlic and Maple Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper
- Chives, garnish
- Sesame seeds, garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced.
- Add the maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger to a jar. Secure the lid tightly and give it a good shake to combine.
- Heat a large oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them the pan and cook each side for 2 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Transfer the pan, uncovered, to the oven and bake for 7–10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Meanwhile, prepare your rice and salad.
- Transfer the salmon onto a plate, then spoon over the remaining glaze.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Prefer to skip the stovetop?
You can place the seasoned salmon fillets straight into an oven-safe dish, pour the sauce over the top, and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through and flaking easily with a fork. It won’t have the same golden colour on top, but it’s still full of flavour and a great hands-off option for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70g
This Garlic and Maple Salmon reminds me that cooking at home doesn’t always have to be complicated. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and a little bit of love can create something truly comforting. Whether it’s a busy midweek evening or you just need a nourishing meal on the table quickly, this recipe is one I find myself coming back to again and again.
