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Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dinners, especially for a Friday night like this. This maple glazed salmon with roasted sweet potatoes is a recipe I come back to again and again.
I’m obsessed with the glaze—it’s a fantastic mix of sweet maple syrup and savory soy sauce, with a little kick from Dijon mustard, that works perfectly with the salmon.
It’s the kind of meal that feels a little bit fancy, but it’s so simple you can easily make it on a busy weeknight. You’ll love how simple ingredients can create something this good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The balance of sweet and savory is irresistible. The caramelized glaze on the fish is the perfect counterpoint to the earthy, seasoned sweet potatoes.
- Healthy: This meal is packed with nutrients. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Quick & Easy: This one-pan meal takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it the perfect hassle-free cooking experience.
- Visually Stunning: The presentation of maple-glazed salmon is a feast for the eyes. The shiny, caramelized glaze glistens under the light, making the dish look incredibly enticing. The colors contrast beautifully when plated alongside vibrant orange-roasted sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, creating an inviting scene.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in making the perfect dish.
The Star of the Show: Salmon
For this recipe, you can use any salmon fillet. Atlantic salmon is widely available and has a mild flavor, while Sockeye or King salmon offer a richer taste. You can use fresh or frozen fillets; if using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
The Perfect Glaze: Maple, Soy, and Dijon
The magic of this dish lies in its three-ingredient glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Pure maple syrup has a more complex flavor and caramelizes beautifully.
- Soy Sauce provides the glaze’s savory, umami backbone. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos.
- Dijon Mustard: The mustard adds a tangy sharpness that cuts through the syrup’s sweetness and the salmon’s richness, creating a well-balanced sauce.
The Hearty Side: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the perfect companion. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, making them wonderfully tender inside with slightly crispy edges. Seasoning them with garlic powder and paprika adds a savory, smoky depth.
The Cooking Process: Step-by-Step
Don’t be intimidated by this dish’s amazing look—it’s so easy to assemble. I love that it’s not complicated at all.
First, roast your sweet potatoes in the oven with a little oil and spice. While they’re getting a head start and making your kitchen smell amazing, whisk together the simple maple glaze in a small bowl.
Then, you must place the salmon on the same pan, brush it with that incredible glaze, and pop it back in the oven.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly flaky salmon and tender sweet potatoes from one pan. It’s my favorite way to make a stunning meal without much fuss.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure the sweet potatoes are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and get crispy rather than steaming. Use a second baking sheet if necessary.
- How to Tell When Salmon is Done: The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. For perfect results, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet; the internal temperature should be between 140−145∘F (60−63∘C) for well-done, or slightly less (130−135∘F / 54−57∘C) for medium.
- Glaze at the Right Time: Brushing the glaze on the salmon partway through cooking, as instructed in the recipe, prevents the maple syrup from burning before the fish is cooked through.
Fun Variations and Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick. Grated fresh ginger or garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Try Different Vegetables: This recipe works well with other vegetables. Try substituting the sweet potatoes with chunks of butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Adjust roasting time as needed.
- Herb Variations: Instead of parsley, try garnishing with fresh dill or chopped chives, which pair beautifully with salmon.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the dining experience, serve the maple-glazed salmon and roasted sweet potatoes on rustic wooden plates or classic white dinnerware.
Pairing the dish with a light green salad with a vinaigrette or steamed asparagus can elevate the meal further. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon and sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle reheating method helps prevent the salmon from drying out.
The Complete Recipe
This dish features salmon fillets coated in a sweet, tangy maple glaze, baked with tender roasted sweet potatoes. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves four people.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Make the Maple Glaze: While the potatoes are roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Add the Salmon: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the sweet potatoes to one side and place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the other side. Brush half of the maple glaze generously over the salmon fillets.
- Bake Together: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the salmon. The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with the roasted sweet potatoes.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
- Total Time: 35-37 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
(Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion
So there you have it! That’s my recipe for maple glazed salmon with roasted sweet potatoes. I genuinely believe it’s one of those special dishes that has it all—it looks beautiful on the plate, tastes incredible, and is packed with ingredients you can feel good about.
What I love most, and I think you’ll appreciate, too, is how simple it is. You get all the credit for a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for your back pocket, whether you need a quick and healthy dinner on a Tuesday or something special to impress guests.
I hope you try this recipe, maybe even for dinner this weekend, as we kick off August. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! I’d be so excited to hear what you think when you do.
Enjoy!
