Maple-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccolini 🐟🍁

Hi there! If you’ve been craving something that feels fancy but is secretly super easy to make, this Maple-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccolini might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner. I love it because it’s the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and fresh — the maple glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon while the broccolini gets buttery, garlicky, and slightly crisp. It’s one of those meals that looks like it came from a restaurant but only takes about 25 minutes (really!).

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing someone special, this dish never fails to make you feel like you’ve got your life together — glass of wine optional but recommended. 😉

Nutritional Benefits

This dinner is not just delicious — it’s packed with nutrients too! Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing for heart and brain health. It’s also full of protein that keeps you full for hours. Broccolini, on the other hand, is like the fun cousin of broccoli — rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants that help boost your immune system. The maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness without overdoing it, and you can control exactly how much you add. Healthy, balanced, and full of flavor — that’s my kind of meal!

Adaptable Variations

• No Broccolini? You can easily swap it with regular broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans — all of them pair beautifully with the maple glaze.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup or a drizzle of honey — the flavor still shines through.
• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for the broccolini, or try vegan butter for that same rich taste.
• Spicy Twist: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes or a drop of sriracha to the glaze for a little kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe reheats perfectly — store in airtight containers and enjoy it for lunch the next day with rice, quinoa, or a salad.

Maple-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccolini Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch broccolini (or about 2 cups broccoli florets)
• 1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil, for dairy-free)
• 1 additional garlic clove, minced (for the broccolini)
• Salt and lemon juice, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper. It should smell amazing already!
2. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip bag and pour the glaze over them. Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes while you prep the broccolini.
3. Cook the broccolini: Heat 1 tablespoon butter (or oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add broccolini and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed, until bright green and tender-crisp. Squeeze some lemon juice on top and transfer to a plate.
4. Cook the salmon: In the same pan (or a clean one), heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, spooning the glaze over as it caramelizes. The glaze should get glossy and slightly sticky.
5. Finish and serve: Plate your salmon next to the broccolini, drizzle any extra glaze from the pan on top, and enjoy the sweet-savory perfection!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Choose good salmon: Wild-caught salmon has a slightly firmer texture and richer taste, but any fresh fillet works great.
• Don’t overcook: Salmon cooks fast! As soon as it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. Overcooking can make it dry.
• Line your pan: If baking instead of pan-searing, line your sheet with foil or parchment to catch the glaze—it saves cleanup time.
• Double the glaze: It’s so good, you might want extra to drizzle over rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
• Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to keep the fish tender.
• Oven Option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place salmon on a lined baking tray, brush with glaze, and bake 12–14 minutes, basting halfway through.
• Serving suggestion: Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes for a cozy, complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating so the glaze sticks properly.
2. Can I bake everything on one pan? Totally! Place salmon and broccolini on the same tray—just remove the broccolini a few minutes earlier since it cooks faster.
3. Is maple syrup too sweet for salmon? Not at all! The soy sauce and Dijon balance it perfectly, creating that classic sweet-salty flavor you’ll love.
4. Can I meal prep this? Absolutely. The salmon reheats beautifully, and you can pack it with rice or quinoa for a complete grab-and-go lunch.

Serving Idea: Cozy Weeknight Bowl

When I make this for myself, I love turning it into a quick “salmon bowl.” I layer fluffy rice, top it with salmon and broccolini, drizzle some extra glaze, and sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top. It feels restaurant-level fancy but takes less than 30 minutes. Bonus points if you add some avocado slices on the side — creamy, fresh, and delicious!

Call to Action

Did you make this Maple-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Butter Broccolini? I’d love to see your creation! Tag me on Pinterest and share your photo — I’m always excited to see your kitchen magic. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later — it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. 🐟🍁✨