Description
This sockeye salmon recipe features a vibrant Maple-Chili Lacquer and fresh scallion ribbons, offering a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It delivers restaurant-quality taste with a deliciously caramelized crust, packed with lean protein and Omega-3s.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz (170g) each) wild-caught sockeye salmon fillets
- 0.25 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup (or honey or light brown sugar)
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) chili-garlic sauce or Sriracha
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp (15g) fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4–5 stalks fresh scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced or cut into ribbons
- 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Prep Salmon: Gently pat the sockeye salmon fillets very dry with paper towels; preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
- Whisk Lacquer: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, chili-garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined and glossy.
- Lacquer and Bake: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined sheet pan, brush the Maple-Chili Lacquer liberally over each fillet, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the lacquer is shiny and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, garnish immediately with vibrant fresh scallion ribbons and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
To ensure a crispy crust, pat salmon fillets very dry. For an alternative cooking method, pan-sear salmon skin-side down in 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, then flip, brush with lacquer, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (145F (63C) internal temp), basting occasionally. Rest for 2 minutes before serving. For a low-carb version, use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. For a spicier kick, increase chili-garlic sauce. Don’t overcook sockeye salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist. Use tamari for a gluten-free recipe. If lacquer thickens, stir in 0.5 teaspoon of warm water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz (170g))
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: sockeye salmon, maple chili, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, easy salmon, lean protein, Omega-3s, caramelized, scallion ribbons