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    Home » Main Dishes

    Cast Iron Salmon with Maple Glaze

    Published: May 19, 2023 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    pinnable image for maple salmon

    You can make Cast Iron Salmon with Maple Glaze in 10 minutes! Pure maple syrup, butter, lemon and seasonings come together in a magical way in this dish.

    ten minute maple-glazed salmon on a plate with a slice of lemon

    If you need a delicious dinner in a hurry, I've got you! You can make this maple-glazed salmon in 10 minutes on your stove using a cast iron pan or any skillet.

    It's the most addictive and easy salmon dish to ever come out of my kitchen. I've been making this for a decade!

    It's one of our favorite fish recipes, and I bet you'll love it too. Pure maple syrup, butter, lemon and seasonings come together to make magic.

    You'll want to drink that glaze with a spoon! And don't be surprised when dinner is over and you find yourself with a chunk of bread at the stove, sopping up all of that maple goodness from the pan!

    Recipe ingredients

    As you can see, we’re using just a handful of ingredients This is a maple-glazed salmon recipe without soy sauce. And, no marinade is required!

    raw salmon, seasonings, butter, maple syrup

    Salmon: You can use Atlantic salmon, which is actually farm-raised, or wild salmon which will cook faster. This salmon buying guide from Seafood Watch makes recommendations for each type.

    I like to buy salmon fillets with the skin on, since it is cheaper. Plus, it makes it easier to flip the fish over in the pan.

    Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for bold, rich, flavor. Pancake syrup won’t taste as good here, but technically, you can use it.

    Garlic Powder: You know this Italian lady had to add a garlic accent! Garlic maple salmon is a beautiful thing.

    Paprika: I always use regular paprika here, as opposed to hot, sweet or smoked paprika. If you want to use hot paprika, I’d use half the amount, so this dish won’t be too spicy hot.

    Lemon: This cuts the sweetness of the maple syrup and adds a pop of bright, acidic flavor. Don’t skip it!

    How to make maple salmon in a cast iron pan

    See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.

    1. Melt the butter in your cast iron pan (affiliate link) or a 12-inch nonstick skillet (affiliate link).
    2. Add the salmon, skin side down. Season the fish and pour maple syrup on each piece.
    3. After two minutes, flip the salmon, cover and cook for a few minutes.
    4. Remove the skin and flip the salmon again to cook for another minute.
    Overhead photo of cast iron skillet with 10-Minute Maple-Glazed Salmon

    Recipe tips

    • Before starting, be sure to feel for any bones to remove from the salmon fillets.
    • You'll know when your pan-seared salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F for Atlantic salmon or 120°F for wild-caught salmon. The flesh of the salmon should flake easily and not be shiny inside.
    • Thin pieces of salmon will cook faster than thicker ones. Remove thin ones from the pan sooner.
    glazed salmon in a pool of butter on plate with lemon

    What to serve with maple syrup salmon

    To serve, top each piece of salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice and a spoonful of maple glaze.

    The fish goes perfectly with a side of baked or roasted sweet potatoes, Oven Roasted Potatoes, or Mashed Turnips. It's also perfect with this Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Steamed Corn on the Cob and Italian Broccoli with Gremolata.

    And don't miss out on dipping this delicious Italian Bread into the nectar of the gods...I mean the buttery maple glaze!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you bake cast iron salmon?

    Yes, you can bake salmon right in the cast iron pan, and you don’t need to flip it! Bake the fish skin-side down at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. At the halfway point, spoon some of the maple glaze from the pan onto the fish.

    How long does cooked salmon last in the fridge?

    Cooked salmon lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It should be stored in an airtight container.

    Can you eat salmon skin?

    It's generally safe for people to eat salmon skin, unless you're pregnant or nursing, according to Healthline. In fact, this part of the fish has the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for decreasing your chances of heart disease.
     
    However, it's important to consider an individual's health and where the salmon came from. Fish are often exposed to pollutants in our air and water. Salmon can absorb toxins through its skin.

    In general, skin from wild-caught Pacific salmon is safer than skin from farm-raised Atlantic salmon.

    two plates of maple-glazed salmon with lemon and glasses of water

    More salmon recipes to try

    • Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta
    • Salsa Salmon with Lime and Balsamic Vinegar
    • Baked Pesto Salmon
    • Salmon Caprese with Balsamic Glaze
    • Buffalo Salmon with Roasted Red Onions

    Enjoy!

    If you try this Cast Iron Salmon with Maple Glaze, please leave a comment and a rating!

    maple-glazed salmon on white plate with lemon

    Cast Iron Salmon with Maple Glaze

    Pure maple syrup, butter, lemon & seasonings come together in a magical way in this maple-glazed salmon that's prepared on the stove.
    4.69 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 398kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ pounds salmon (cut into four pieces)
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup (use 1 ½ tablespoons per piece of salmon)
    • juice of ¼ lemon
    US Customary - Metric
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    Instructions

    • Rinse the salmon and feel for any bones to remove. Pat dry with paper towels. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add salmon, skin-side down, if there is skin. Sprinkle each piece of fish with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour 1 ½ tablespoons syrup over each piece of fish.
    • Cook the salmon on the first side for two minutes. Flip the fish and cover the pan with a lid. After three minutes, remove any skin by lifting it up with a knife and gently peeling it off with your fingers (if it's too hot, use a spatula.) Discard the skin.
    • Flip the fish again, and after a minute, check for doneness by seeing if it can be flaked with a fork. If so, turn off the heat. (Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish. Be sure to watch any thin pieces carefully and remove them when done, letting the thick pieces cook longer.)
    • Squeeze the lemon quarter over the salmon and serve with the glaze spooned on top. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    Video

    Notes

    • You must try dipping some bread into the pan to soak up the glaze!
    • The salmon is delicious served with baked (or microwaved) sweet potatoes on the side. You can spoon some of the glaze on your sweet potatoes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 900mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

    (Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C. Originally published on October 20, 2014 and updated now with new information.)

    Don't miss my Pasta & Sauces E-Cookbook! Please SUBSCRIBE and follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Terry Dunham

      August 04, 2020 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      This was an excellent recipe.
      This is the third recipe I’ve tried from your array of recipes. Another hit !!! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        August 04, 2020 at 8:57 pm

        Hi Terry - I'm so happy to hear that! I need to make this one again soon.

        Reply
    2. Jen

      August 20, 2019 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night while camping. Super delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        August 21, 2019 at 1:29 pm

        Hi Jen - That's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    3. Kathy

      April 30, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      As a child my family being the devout Catholics they were dad would always cast net our dinner for Friday night, that’s when Gulf was OK, . We had bl fish prepared ever way you dream of. I had a fish bone also in my throat my dad said eat bread my brothers insisted 2 days later that I had fish babies in my belly and they had to fish them out. It was horrible I just recently in last 6 years started eating fish again. Thanks for the recipes love them

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        May 01, 2019 at 9:05 am

        Hi Kathy - You must have been freaking out! I'm so glad you're enjoying my recipes. Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    4. Linda R

      February 16, 2019 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      Andrea
      I tried your recipe for Baked Cod with Parmesan and Garlic Butter and I can truly say it's the best fish I have ever prepared. We always buy deep caught, fresh cod from Costco. I can't wait to serve it to guests and watch their expression after the first bite. We loved the Creamed Spinach Souffle with Artichokes with our Christmas Eve beef tenderloin. Two great recipes!!!!
      Linda

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        February 16, 2019 at 11:39 am

        Hi Linda - I'm so happy to hear that you loved those recipes! Thanks for the tip about the cod from Costco. I'll check it out!

        Reply
    5. Tash

      October 25, 2014 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      This maple glazed salmon looks like pure luxury! What a heavenly dinner this would make <3

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 25, 2014 at 10:38 am

        Thanks, Tash. We love it.

        Reply
    6. Annie @Maebells

      October 21, 2014 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      Oh I love salmon, and am always looking for new ways to prepare it! I have never paired it with maple before though, what a great idea!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 21, 2014 at 12:32 pm

        Thanks, Annie. I literally stood there one day thinking that since I didn't know what else to do with my salmon, I'd just pour some maple syrup on top and then come up with a better idea later. Too funny.

        Reply
    7. Tekesha

      October 20, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      Ha ha ha! Dying laughing. Cooking with Aunt Voula! I will bring the ouzo for the next bibopsy. This looks so juicy and tender and flavorful. I love when you can see the fish perfectly flaking into nice chunks.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

        That would be a great SNL skit! I'm glad you can see how tender this salmon is. I'm obsessed with it.

        Reply
    8. Annie @ ciaochowbambina

      October 20, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      This sounds so yummy! My husband would love it! Now only because I know it all worked out, can I comfortably say, your story about the fish bone made me laugh...And Aunt Voula is one of our faves!!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        October 20, 2014 at 2:41 pm

        Feel free to laugh, Annie. I can't have salmon without chuckling to myself (after I've gone over my fish with a magnifying glass). 🙂

        Reply

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