Introduction

This Maple Pecan Glazed Salmon is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s dairy-free and perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender salmon with a sticky maple glaze and toasted pecans creates a delightful flavor and texture balance. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Four pieces of cooked salmon fillets are placed side by side inside a white oval dish. Each salmon fillet is topped with a thick layer of glossy brown sauce mixed with chopped nuts, giving it a rich, textured look. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed on top of the sauce and around the fillets for garnish. Bright orange slices are arranged around the salmon inside the dish, adding a pop of color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 (6-8 ounce) center cut salmon filets, or a 1 3/4 pound piece of salmon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons stone ground or Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh rosemary and sliced tangerines for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare and season the salmon. Wash and pat dry the salmon thoroughly with paper towels. Leave the skin on for easier cooking and removal after baking. Remove any bones with needle-nose pliers or tweezers. Season the filets evenly with paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Place them in an oven-safe baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 16 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque near the center. For one large piece of salmon, bake 18 to 22 minutes. You can check doneness with a thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Step 4: While the salmon bakes, make the maple pecan sauce. Toast the chopped pecans in a medium skillet over medium heat with olive oil or ghee, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly darker in color. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 5: Add maple syrup, orange juice, kosher salt, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats a spoon. If it becomes too thick after cooling, thin with a little more maple syrup.
Step 6: When the salmon is done, spoon the maple pecan glaze generously over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary and sliced tangerines if desired.
Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious maple pecan glazed salmon.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pecans before chopping.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Substitute orange juice with lemon juice for a tangier glaze.
Use ghee instead of olive oil for a richer taste, or keep it fully dairy free with olive oil.

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 overcooking. The glaze may thicken upon cooling; warm it slightly before serving to return it to a pourable consistency.

How to Serve

Four salmon fillets lie on a white plate, each topped with a thick layer of glossy, dark brown chopped nuts and syrup sauce that glistens under the light. The salmon has a smooth, orange-pink color with light seasoning visible on the surface. Small green rosemary sprigs are placed on top of each fillet, adding a fresh touch of color. Around the fillets, there are several bright orange slices, positioned near the edges of the plate, which sits on a white marbled texture surface. The overall look is rich, warm, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and a better texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The salmon and glaze hold up well when stored and can be reheated for a quick, flavorful meal during the week.