Maple Glazed Sheet Pan Salmon is a simple, delicious meal that brings together the sweet, sticky flavor of maple syrup with tender, flaky salmon. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon as it bakes, giving it a lovely golden color and a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with the natural richness of the fish. Using a sheet pan means everything cooks together and cleanup is easy, making this a perfect weeknight dinner.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. The maple glaze is so easy to mix up—just a few ingredients—and it sticks to the salmon in a way that keeps every bite full of flavor. I usually toss in some veggies right on the pan, like broccoli or carrots, so everything cooks evenly and the glaze gets just a bit on the sides for extra taste.
This meal always feels like a warm, cozy treat without being heavy or complicated. I enjoy serving it with simple sides like rice or a green salad, and it’s great for sharing with family or friends. The sweet and savory combo is one that always gets compliments, and I find myself coming back to this recipe whenever I want a quick, tasty dinner that feels homemade and a little bit special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works fine—just thaw it completely. Salmon with skin on is okay too; just watch the cooking time as it may take a bit longer.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives that lovely natural sweetness and caramelizes nicely. If unavailable, honey or agave syrup can be good swaps, but maple offers a unique flavor.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Tamari is a good gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. Both add a salty, umami taste that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and asparagus roast well together. You can swap them with other veggies like green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes depending on what you have on hand.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add a fresh, slightly tart pop. If you don’t have them, try chopped fresh cranberries or skip them altogether.
How Do You Get the Perfect Maple Glaze on Salmon?
To get a sticky, flavorful glaze that isn’t too runny, it’s important to mix your ingredients well and brush the salmon generously.
- Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, mustard, garlic, and rosemary thoroughly to create a smooth glaze.
- Brush the glaze evenly over the salmon, making sure to coat the tops well—this lets it caramelize nicely during baking.
- During roasting, try not to move the salmon around. Let it cook undisturbed so the glaze sets and creates a shiny finish.
- If you want extra caramelization, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
This method locks in flavor and gives you a deliciously glazed, tender salmon every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large sheet pan – great for cooking salmon and veggies all at once with easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and helps with quick cleanup.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for whisking the maple glaze ingredients smoothly.
- Basting brush – lets you spread the glaze evenly over the salmon for a perfect coating.
- Sharp knife – handy for prepping vegetables evenly so they roast at the same pace as the salmon.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for trout or cod for a different fish texture and flavor while using the same glaze.
- Add sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and a sweet, juicy bite.
- Include a sprinkle of chili flakes in the glaze if you like a little heat balancing the sweetness.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans after baking for crunch and nutty flavor.
Maple Glazed Sheet Pan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (plus extra sprigs for roasting)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup diced butternut squash (or sweet potato)
- 1 cup fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 15-18 minutes of cooking in the oven. If you use the broil step for extra caramelization, add a couple more minutes. Overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Glaze:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep everything from sticking. Then in a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to make a tasty glaze.
2. Season and Glaze the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared sheet pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Use a brush to spread the maple glaze evenly over each fillet, coating them well for that perfect sticky finish.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Arrange Brussels sprouts, diced butternut squash, and asparagus around the salmon on the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and some rosemary sprigs for flavor.
4. Roast and Finish:
Put the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. For an extra touch, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Take the sheet pan out of the oven, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of bright color and freshness, and serve warm. Pair your maple glazed salmon and veggies with rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a simple, flavorful meal.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture so the glaze sticks well.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in veggies like green beans, carrots, or zucchini depending on what you have. Just cut them to similar sizes so they roast evenly with the salmon.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the salmon tender.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, the maple glaze can be mixed a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Give it a good stir before brushing onto the salmon when ready to use.
