This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! Maple salmon is flaky, juicy and so flavorful! Marina writes "By far, the BEST salmon recipe I've ever tried" | natashaskitchen.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! One of my readers, Marina, shared the concept for this soy-maple glaze with us, saying “it is by far the best salmon recipe I’ve ever had.”

Naturally, I was curious and after looking at the ingredients (you really can’t go wrong with this list!), I was off to the grocery store to re-create. We loved this maple salmon on the grill for the added smokiness. The sizzling hot grates seal in flavor and add those pretty grill marks that are the hallmark of summer!

Watch the video tutorial and you’ll be convinced! You can also make this a baked maple salmon for the winter months (see instructions below). 

Watch How To Make Maple Salmon:

We served this maple salmon with grilled zucchini and garlic mashed potatoes. It was an easy, excellent dinner! 🙂

This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! Maple salmon is flaky, juicy and so flavorful! Marina writes "By far, the BEST salmon recipe I've ever tried" | natashaskitchen.com

Notes on Grilling Times:

It all comes down to how thick salmon fillets are. Follow these guidelines for grilling over med/high (350˚F heat):

1″ thick fillets = 4 to 5 minutes per side
3/4″ thick fillets = 3 to 4 minutes per side
1/2″ thick fillets = 2 to 3 minutes per side

Instructions for Baked Maple Salmon:

1. Combine the salmon and sauce in a baking pan and marinate 45 minutes in the refrigerator, turning half way.

2. Preheat oven to 400˚F and bake salmon in the same pan (with the sauce) for 20 minutes or until flaky and cooked through.

This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! Maple salmon is flaky, juicy and so flavorful! Marina writes "By far, the BEST salmon recipe I've ever tried" | natashaskitchen.com

Grilled Maple Salmon Recipe

4.98 from 34 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
A grilled maple salmon that is flaky, juicy and so flavorful!
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 salmon portions
  • 1/3 cup real maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 to 2 1/2 lbs salmon fillet, cut into 6 (1-inch thick) portions
  • 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

How to Make Grilled Maple Salmon:

  • Stir together marinade: 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 2 pressed garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp pepper (you can even combine it in the plastic bag to save a dish!).
  • In a large zip-loc bag, combine salmon fillets with marinade and toss to combine. Seal the bag, removing excess air. Marinate in the refrigerator 45 minutes. Flipping the bag over halfway. Preheat Grill to medium/high heat.
  • Remove salmon to a platter, reserving marinade. Oil the grates (dip a paper towel in oil and use tongs and an oven mitt for safety). Grill salmon skin-side-down over medium/high heat according to the chart below (this salmon took about 4 min per side). Carefully flip salmon over and continue grilling until salmon is flaky.

To Make the Maple Glaze:

  • Transfer reserved marinade to a small sauce pan and boil it down over high heat whisking constantly for for 3-4 minutes, or until starting to thicken. Brush grilled salmon with soy-maple glaze and serve garnished with green onion if desired.

Notes

Notes on Grilling Times: For grilling over med/high (350˚F heat):
1" thick fillets = 4 to 5 minutes per side
3/4" thick fillets = 3 to 4 minutes per side
1/2" thick fillets = 2 to 3 minutes per side
How to Make Baked Salmon:
Combine the salmon and sauce in a baking pan and marinate 45 minutes in the refrigerator, turning half way. Preheat oven to 400˚F and bake salmon in the same pan (with the sauce) for 20 minutes or until flaky and cooked through.
We served these with grilled zucchini and garlic mashed potatoes. Easy, excellent dinner! 🙂
Important Note: the glaze works best after marinating fresh fish. If you purchase frozen salmon and thaw it, you may have to strain marinade before boiling down to remove debris. The fish will still taste great without the extra glaze if you decide to omit it.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Grilled Maple Salmon
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! Maple salmon is flaky, juicy and so flavorful! Marina writes "By far, the BEST salmon recipe I've ever tried" | natashaskitchen.com

Throw some salmon on the grill and have an awesome week my friends! 🙂

This grilled maple salmon recipe is a KEEPER! Maple salmon is flaky, juicy and so flavorful! Marina writes
4.98 from 34 votes (10 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Jody
    April 8, 2024

    This marinade is delicious. I reduced the sesame oil and added 1 tsp diced jarred jalapeños peppers. The cooked marinade is delicious on the rice.

    Reply

  • Liz
    April 8, 2024

    Natasha could this be done in an air fryer?
    If so, what temperature and time would you recommend?

    Reply

  • Greg M
    March 15, 2024

    Substituted EVOO for sesame oil and did not add additional marinade after grilling. Turned out fantastic with just the right amount of honey/soy seasoning.

    Reply

  • Gloria Deeley
    June 9, 2023

    Best marinade for salmon!
    Favorite for sure! It is simple and very tasty!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 9, 2023

      Thank you for the feedback, Gloria!

      Reply

  • Michael Loveland
    February 16, 2023

    Hi Natasha, love your recipes! Can I use my Blackstone griddle to cook the salmon or will the sugar from the syrup in the marinade burn? Would probably set the surface temperature to 350-375F. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      February 17, 2023

      HI Michael, I think the syrup would burn and you would have a tough time cleaning your griddle after.

      Reply

      • Inga
        June 20, 2023

        We used our griddle and it turned out great. Since we season the griddle the marinade does not Carmelize and stick. Cleanup was easy. My husband and guests really liked the fish!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          June 20, 2023

          Hi Inga! Thank you for sharing! I’m glad it was enjoyed.

          Reply

  • Stephen Pohlman
    August 6, 2022

    Served to a dinner party of 5 couples. RAVE REVIEWS!!!

    Every guest asked for the recipe. And every one has now made it at home PLUS reported back these exact words: “Best fish recipe I’ve ever had”

    It’s now my go to main course for dinner parties …. And, of course for us.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 6, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Stephen!

      Reply

  • Gloria Deeley
    July 22, 2022

    Our favorite salmon recipe! Have grilled it and baked it- delicious either way!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 22, 2022

      Yum! That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Gloria!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    May 28, 2022

    My daughter is deathly allergic to all forms of sesame…what is a good substitute so we avoid killing her ?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 28, 2022

      Hi Cheryl, you can omit the seasme oil or replace with another oil. I also have plenty of other salmon recipe to choose from. You can view them here.

      Reply

  • Joy
    May 14, 2022

    Wonderful recipe. Thanks Natasha!
    I did decrease the syrup by half and added a tsp of fresh grated ginger. So good.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 14, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Joy! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    November 30, 2021

    Made the baked version tonight and it was delicious! So easy!! I decreased the amount of soy sauce as I’m not a fan.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 30, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Michelle!

      Reply

  • Karen
    November 14, 2021

    I am not a fan of salmon but with this marinade I became one! Thank you, Just delicious…

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2021

      I’m glad to hear that you loved it, Karen!

      Reply

  • martha skala
    May 28, 2021

    Just wondering if this sauce can be used the same way with boneless chicken? Also can you make extra and store it in a canning jar for future use? How long would it keep? Thank you for taking the time to reply…

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 28, 2021

      Hi Martha, I honestly haven’t tried using boneless chicken yet to advise. I think it works but I can’t say for sure unless I try it. I also haven’t tried canning or putting it in a jar for future use. We usually make and serve it same day.

      Reply

  • catherine flint
    March 26, 2021

    I’ve made this recipe many times now. So gosh darn good. my husband got me a new grill pan, the perfect culinary storm! Sometimes, the salmon search is over! thank you!

    Reply

    • catherine flint
      March 26, 2021

      I’m so sorry for being redundant! I just get excited about cooking and finding perfect recipes!

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • catherine j flint
    March 26, 2021

    I’m making this tonight. Again! such a great recipe and my husband bought me a new grill pan. I have to admit, I can’t help but eat a little of that crunchy skin! yum

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Mitch
    October 21, 2020

    I make this once a week in a cast iron pan on a gas grill. Comes out perfect and delicious every time. I’ve also used the marinade on pork chops but let the pork sit in the juice for a couple hours.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 21, 2020

      Isn’t it the best! It sounds like you found a new favorite! That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Joanna
    July 29, 2020

    Hi Natasha. May I ask if this will work on salmon steaks instead of salmon fillet?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 29, 2020

      Hi Joanna, I haven’t tested that to advise but I bet that could work! If you experiment, please let me know how you like that.

      Reply

  • Bev
    June 26, 2020

    This glaze is so so simple, and a huge hit in our family. What a great tip for using the marinade after it has done it’s first job. Thanks so much!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 26, 2020

      You’re welcome Bev! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Marlene
    September 4, 2019

    I made this last night and it was awesome! I followed the recipe and baked it in the oven. Also the leftovers were delicious in a salad the next day. I will make this again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 4, 2019

      Aren’t left overs the best! Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Brenda
    August 20, 2019

    This has become my go to recipe for salmon. Very flavourful. I really appreciated the cook times based on thickness of fish. It makes it easy to get a perfect cook every time. I have grilled it and baked it. Both delivered a delicious dish.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 20, 2019

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Brenda!

      Reply

  • Larry
    August 11, 2019

    I’ve made this several times with great results, but this time I used low sodium soy sauce and when I went to boil the marinade, it was chunky and a must lighter color.

    Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.