Imagine transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Maple Salmon with Chives and Dill recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, buttery texture of perfectly seared salmon with the sweet complexity of maple syrup and the fresh, aromatic notes of herbs. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and caramelization.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the flesh side.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the maple syrup over the salmon, allowing it to caramelize and create a glossy glaze.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives and dill evenly over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Plate the salmon and garnish with additional fresh chives and dill if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best searing results.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down first to achieve a crispy skin and lock in moisture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook the fillets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Watch the maple syrup carefully when glazing to prevent burning; keep the heat at medium-low.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - use high-quality, freshly chopped chives and dill.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 475kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 112mg
