Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Maple Pecan Glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2/3 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish (optional)
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF to prepare it for baking the salmon. This ensures even cooking and a nicely cooked fillet.
- Season Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with garlic powder, kosher salt, pepper, and olive oil to season and coat them well for enhanced flavor and moisture retention during baking.
- Bake Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a rectangular baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Toast Pecans: While the salmon bakes, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until they darken slightly and become fragrant.
- Make Glaze: Add maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to the toasted pecans in the pan. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Glaze Salmon: Remove the baked salmon from the oven and spoon the warm maple pecan glaze evenly over each fillet to coat them with the sweet and tangy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the glazed salmon for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets if you prefer a crispier texture on the bottom.
- The glaze can be made ahead and gently reheated for convenience.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts if desired for a different nutty flavor.
- To reduce sugar, you can decrease the maple syrup amount slightly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat