Okay, so you’re staring at the clock, thinking “Ugh, what’s for dinner?” I totally get it! But trust me, you can ditch the takeout menus because I have the perfect solution: a super simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal that’ll make even the pickiest eaters happy. I’m talking about my go-to, the best ever Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory AND it’s totally gonna become a weeknight staple.
I’ve been whipping up this recipe for years – tweaked and perfected, I swear – and it’s always a winner. It’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and it’s something everyone in my family gobbles up. So grab your apron, because you’re about to fall in love with dinner again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Listen, if you’re like me, you’re all about easy AND delicious, right? Well, this recipe has you covered! Let me tell you why it’s so awesome:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes! That’s faster than delivery, and way healthier.
- Sweet & Savory Magic: The maple glaze on the salmon? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory salmon and sprouts. It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
- Packed with Goodness: Salmon is loaded with those amazing omega-3s, and Brussels sprouts bring the vitamins and fiber. You’re eating healthy without even *feeling* like you’re eating healthy. Win-win!
- Gluten-Free Friendly: If you’re avoiding gluten (or cooking for someone who is), this recipe is naturally gluten-free. No special swaps needed, just pure deliciousness!
- Customizable: Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes to the glaze! Feeling fancy? Squeeze some lemon on the salmon. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Okay, so let’s get down to business! You know, the most important part: the ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing too crazy here, I promise. Everything’s super easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down nice and simple, so you can start cooking ASAP:
For the Salmon:
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet, skin on or off – totally your call! I usually go skin-on because I love that crispy skin, but either works.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Gotta season that salmon!
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – Make sure to get rid of any yucky outer leaves.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste – Again, don’t be shy with the seasoning.
For the Amazing Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – Make sure it’s the real stuff!
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – or tamari if you’re gluten-free (I do this sometimes!)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – This adds a little zing!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
See? Nothing too scary! Now, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through this deliciousness, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s seriously easy. I promise, even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you can totally nail this! Let’s do it!
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
First things first, let’s get those Brussels sprouts ready to rumble. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) – you’ll want to do this at least 15 minutes before you get started. Then, grab those sprouts, trim the ends (the little brown bits), and halve them. Toss them on a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Make sure they’re all coated and spread out in a single layer. Toss them and pop them into the oven to roast for about 20 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly crispy around the edges – YUM!
Creating the Maple Glaze for the Salmon
While those sprouts are roasting away, let’s whip up the magic sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of real maple syrup (none of that fake stuff!), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari, if you’re gluten-free like me sometimes), 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (that Dijon is key!), and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps because we want it all to coat that salmon perfectly.
Cooking the Maple Glazed Salmon
Now for the star of the show! Place your salmon fillet on a separate baking sheet (or use the same one, but clean it first). Season it with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Then, pour that gorgeous maple glaze all over the salmon, making sure every inch is coated in that sweet and savory goodness. Now, slide it into the oven. The salmon needs about 12-15 minutes to cook, but honestly, it really depends on how thick your fillet is! Make sure it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork – or use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Careful, it can overcook easily, especially if your oven runs hot!
Serving Your Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
And… that’s it! Once everything’s cooked, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece! Serve the maple glazed salmon alongside those beautiful, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. I sometimes like to drizzle a little extra maple glaze over the salmon *after* it’s cooked (because, why not?). Maybe sprinkle a few fresh herbs on top for a pop of color – parsley or chives work great. And that’s it! Dinner is served! Enjoy!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Maple Glazed Salmon
Okay, friends, let’s talk about taking this *Maple Glazed Salmon* from good to AMAZING! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and I’m sharing them to help you nail this recipe every single time. First off, when you’re picking out your salmon, give it a good sniff! Fresh salmon should smell, well, *fresh*…like the ocean! And the color should be vibrant, not dull. For those Brussels sprouts, don’t overcrowd them on the baking sheet! Give them some space so they roast evenly, getting that perfect crispy edge.
And here’s a big one: cooking time! Salmon thickness varies, so keep an eye on it. A thicker fillet will need a bit longer. Use a fork to gently flake it and see if it’s done, or better yet, a meat thermometer is your friend – aim for 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Finally, if your glaze seems a little thin after whisking, don’t worry! It’ll thicken up nicely as it bakes onto that gorgeous salmon. You got this!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Maple Glazed Salmon
Okay, let’s talk about the *ingredients* themselves. You know, what’s *really* going into this yummy dinner! I get a lot of questions about this, so get ready for some insider tips. First of all, PLEASE, use REAL maple syrup! Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference. The fake stuff just doesn’t have that amazing flavor, and it’s a total bummer. If you’re out of olive oil, no sweat! Avocado or even a little bit of melted coconut oil works great.
And for my gluten-free friends, tamari or coconut aminos are stellar substitutes for soy sauce. They give you that same salty, umami flavor without the gluten. And as for the Brussels sprouts? They’re nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Seriously, this meal is good for you AND tastes amazing! Win-win!
So, the takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment, but try to stick with the real deal when you can. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Maple Glazed Salmon
Okay, so your Maple Glazed Salmon and Roasted Brussels Sprouts are looking gorgeous, but what to serve *with* them to make it a complete meal? Don’t worry, I got you covered with some easy ideas! For a side, fluffy quinoa or a simple rice pilaf are fantastic – they soak up all those delicious maple glaze drippings! Or, for something light and fresh, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfection.
And for a little extra pizzazz? Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on the salmon or a few fresh chives or parsley. You know, just to make it look fancy-pants! Seriously, the possibilities are endless. And trust me, you’ll love it all!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Maple Glazed Salmon
Okay, so you made a big batch (or maybe you just have leftovers–no judgment here!). Don’t worry, this Maple Glazed Salmon is just as good, maybe even *better*, the next day! You know, because sometimes leftovers are the best part, right? Here’s the lowdown on storing and reheating so you can enjoy every single bite.
To store your leftovers safely, let everything cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two (YAY!), the best method is to reheat the salmon gently in the oven at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), until warmed through. The Brussels sprouts are fantastic reheated in a skillet over medium heat, or in your air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up. You could even eat them cold! Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Okay, so you’ve made my Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and you’re loving it (I hope!). But I know, cooks always have questions! So, here are a few FAQs, so you’re totally in the know.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Hmm, I’d recommend fresh for the best results! But if you absolutely have to, you can use frozen. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting. They might not get *quite* as crispy, but they’ll still taste yummy!
How can I tell if the salmon is cooked?
Easy peasy! The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the color should change from translucent to opaque. Or, if you have a meat thermometer (which, honestly, you should!), aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. I always check at the thickest part of the fillet.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and make the maple glaze a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. Cook the salmon right before serving for the best flavor and texture! The sprouts will also retain their texture, even made ahead of time!
What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts?
OMG, a tragedy!! (Just kidding…sort of.) Okay, so if you’re not a Brussels sprouts person, no worries. Broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans work great! Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable, but the glaze will be perfect with whatever you choose!
Nutritional Information for Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Okay, food nerds, listen up! Just a little note: the nutritional info here is just an estimate. It can change depending on the exact ingredients you use and the brands you like to buy and use! So keep that in mind, and enjoy this tasty meal!