Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Firecracker Salmon is a vibrant dish that balances sweet and spicy flavors effortlessly. With a luscious maple glaze and a kick from fresh jalapeños, it’s a quick and impressive meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This recipe captures a fusion of tastes that bring excitement to simple salmon fillets.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus 2 teaspoons for brushing)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, halved (half blended, half sliced for topping)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (1-inch thick)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mini food processor or blender, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, half the jalapeño, garlic, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the salmon from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with extra salt and pepper, then top with the thin jalapeño slices.
5. Step 5: Bake the salmon for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush each fillet with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.
6. Step 6: Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, center-cut fillets for more even cooking and better texture.
• Adjust the heat by using more or less jalapeño, or try serrano peppers for extra spice.
• Try substituting maple syrup with honey or agave for a different sweetness profile.
• Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• For a vegetarian option, use the glaze on tofu steaks or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or eggplant.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. For best texture, enjoy the dish fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the salmon up to 4 hours in advance, but for best results, marinate no longer than 20 minutes to keep the fish tender and prevent overpowering flavors.

Is it possible to use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.

Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 43-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Firecracker Salmon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with a spicy-sweet maple glaze infused with jalapeño and garlic. This easy-to-make recipe balances the fiery heat of fresh jalapeños with the smooth sweetness of maple syrup, enhanced by rice wine vinegar and aromatic garlic. Perfectly baked to lock in moisture and topped with thin slices of jalapeño for a fresh kick, this dish offers a gourmet-quality meal that is both healthy and visually stunning. The recipe is rooted in contemporary North American cuisine with a touch of Asian-fusion influence, making it a versatile option for any dining occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper (halved, half for blending, half sliced for topping)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Main

• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (1-inch thick)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup (for brushing)
• Additional salt and pepper (for seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mini food processor or blender, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, half of the jalapeño pepper, garlic cloves, rice wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the fillets, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the fish.
3. Rest at Room Temperature: Remove the bag from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps the salmon cook evenly.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
5. Prepare the Salmon for Baking: Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with extra salt and pepper, then top each fillet with thin slices of the remaining jalapeño pepper for added heat and garnish.
6. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until it begins to cook through and the edges start to turn opaque.
7. Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the salmon from the oven and brush each fillet with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup to create a caramelized glaze. Return the salmon to the oven and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.

Notes

• Use fresh, center-cut salmon fillets that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Patting the salmon dry before baking helps the glaze caramelize rather than steam, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of jalapeño or substituting with a milder chili.
• The recipe can be doubled or tripled for serving larger groups.
• Consider topping with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving for added brightness.
• Pairs well with cooling sides like avocado salad, Greek yogurt sauces, or cucumber mint raita.
• To make gluten-free, verify that rice wine vinegar and maple syrup contain no hidden gluten additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Contemporary North American

Keywords: salmon recipe, spicy salmon, maple glazed salmon, baked salmon, firecracker salmon, healthy dinner, easy fish recipe, maple syrup glaze, jalapeño salmon