Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, its surface glistening with a luxurious maple and Dijon glaze that promises an explosion of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. This isn't just another salmon recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms a simple fish into a gourmet masterpiece that will have your dinner guests wondering if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 salmon fillets, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and maple syrup until well combined. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze for the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the Dijon and maple syrup mixture over the salmon, ensuring that each fillet is well coated. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to an hour in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- While the salmon is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with a light ash.
- Once the grill is preheated, lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in olive oil and tongs to do this.
- Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Avoid moving the salmon to allow for nice grill marks.
- After 6-8 minutes, carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula. Brush the top side with any remaining marinade and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor.
- Serve the grilled salmon warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always start with salmon at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Give each salmon fillet enough space to cook evenly and develop beautiful grill marks.
- Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor, let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes, but don't exceed 1 hour to prevent the fish from becoming too soft.
- Oil Your Grill Grates: This prevents sticking and helps create those gorgeous sear lines.
- Use the "Peek and Flake" Method: Gently test salmon doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and easily separate.
- Rest Your Salmon: Always let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Fresh is Best: Choose high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the most delicious outcome.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
