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If you’re longing for a dish that bursts with bold flavor and comes together in a flash, this Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, tender salmon fillets kissed by a smoky chili-paprika rub, then finished with a sticky-sweet maple glaze that caramelizes perfectly under the broiler. It’s a delightful dance of heat and sweetness that feels indulgent yet fresh and wholesome—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with guests.

Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to this Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe is a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients that bring out the salmon’s natural richness while adding smoky, sweet, and spicy layers. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that irresistible depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.

1 lb. wild salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm salmon with skin on for the best texture and flavor.
Big pinch of salt and pepper: These basics help season the salmon and enhance all the other flavors.
2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky heat that’s bold but not overpowering.
1 teaspoon paprika: Deepens the smoky flavor and gives the salmon a lovely color.
1 teaspoon coconut sugar: A mild, caramel-like sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze, providing rich sweetness and that perfect glossy finish.

How to Make Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Broiler

Start by setting your broiler to high—this method cooks the salmon quickly while giving it a crisp, slightly charred crust. Getting the broiler hot and ready ensures you’ll have a perfect texture without drying out the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Lightly oil your salmon fillets and lay them skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. The skin helps lock in moisture during cooking. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper here; seasoning the salmon well is crucial for enhancing its natural flavors.

Step 3: Make the Spice Rub

Mix the chili powder, paprika, and coconut sugar together in a small bowl. This spice rub brings a smoky-sweet punch that makes the salmon pop. Rub it generously over each fillet, making sure every bite will have that deliciously balanced coating.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon

Place the tray on the top rack under the broiler and cook for about 8 minutes. You want the fish to turn opaque and flaky while staying beautifully moist inside—no overcooking here. Keep an eye on it, as broilers can vary.

Step 5: Apply the Maple Glaze

As soon as the salmon is cooked through, take it out and brush the pure maple syrup over the top. Slide the tray back under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the syrup, creating a shiny, sticky glaze that complements the heat and spice perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the glaze bubbles and gains a slight char, your Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe is ready to be devoured. Serve it immediately while warm and fresh for the best experience—every bite is a celebration of spicy, sweet, and savory goodness.

How to Serve Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green and fresh vibrancy that lifts the rich glaze. Thin slices of lime or lemon wedges on the side bring a bright citrus contrast that cuts through the sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

This salmon shines alongside light, seasonal vegetables like steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy jasmine rice soak up the glorious maple sauce and make each spoonful more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chili Maple Glazed Salmon atop a bed of quinoa salad with crunchy cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, colorful plate. Or make it into elegant salmon tacos with crisp slaw and avocado for a fun twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salmon, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a fantastic quick lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Use within one month and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps maintain moisture, keeping the glaze glossy and the fish tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While wild salmon is ideal for this Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe because of its rich flavor and texture, you can try it with steelhead trout or even thicker white fish fillets like halibut. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder offers a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness from the maple syrup—it’s a harmonious balance rather than intense heat. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder.

Can I make the glaze without maple syrup?

The pure maple syrup is key for that signature sticky sweetness and caramelized finish, but if you’re in a pinch, honey or agave nectar can work as substitutes with slightly different flavor notes.

How do I ensure the salmon doesn’t dry out?

Keep a close eye under the broiler and rely on visual cues—the salmon should flake easily but still look moist. The skin side down cooking and the quick broiling technique help seal in juices beautifully.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the spice rub and have the salmon ready to cook, but applying the maple glaze and broiling is best done just before serving to maintain that fresh caramelized texture and shine.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe enough for anyone wanting a straightforward, flavor-packed dinner that feels special without any fuss. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to salmon dishes—you’re going to love the magic that simple ingredients and a quick broil can create.

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Chili Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This Chili Maple Glazed Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring wild salmon fillets coated with a chili and paprika spice rub, broiled to tender perfection, and finished with a caramelized maple syrup glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

1 lb. wild salmon fillets
Big pinch of salt and pepper
Light oil for coating

Spice Rub

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coconut sugar

Glaze

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high to prepare for quick and even cooking of the salmon fillets.
Prepare the Salmon: Lightly oil the salmon fillets and place them skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Generously season with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, paprika, and coconut sugar. Evenly rub this spice mixture over the top of each salmon fillet to create a balanced spicy-sweet coating.
Cook the Salmon: Broil the salmon on the top rack for about 8 minutes, until the fish turns opaque, flakes easily, and is fully cooked without drying out.
Apply the Maple Glaze: Remove the salmon from the oven, brush the pure maple syrup generously over the top of the fillets, and return them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly, giving a glossy, flavorful finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the delicious combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.