Maple Glazed Baked Salmon with Paprika Spice Rub

Prep: 10 minCook: 25 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Maple Glazed Baked Salmon with Paprika Spice Rub

Tender baked salmon fillets seasoned with a warm spice blend of paprika, garlic, and oregano, then finished with a glossy maple syrup glaze under the broiler. The coconut sugar adds subtle caramel notes while the maple creates a beautiful caramelized crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of savory spices and sweet maple creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or rice.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 ½ lbs salmon, cut into 4 to 6 fillets
    arctic char1:1fishfish-free

    similar texture and cook time

    Full guide →
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
    olive oil1:1neutral

    works well but lower smoke point

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp dried paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
    brown sugar1:1sweetener

    similar caramel notes

    Full guide →
  • 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
    honey1:1sweetener

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat casserole dish with small amount of avocado oil

  2. 2

    Place salmon fillets in dish and brush with avocado oil

  3. 3

    Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and coconut sugar

  4. 4

    Bake on center rack for 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness

  5. 5

    Remove salmon and change oven to high broil

  6. 6

    Brush fish with maple syrup and place on second to top rack

  7. 7

    Broil 3 to 5 minutes until crispy and glazed

  8. 8

    Spoon any remaining maple syrup from dish over salmon before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the center - it should flake easily and reach 145°F internal temperature.

Tip 2

Watch carefully during broiling as the maple syrup can burn quickly, creating a bitter taste.

Tip 3

Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after broiling to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked salmon up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Season salmon up to 4 hours ahead, add maple glaze just before broiling

Serve With

Serve immediately while glaze is warm and fish is flaky

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake the salmon to avoid dry, tough texture

Watch

Watch broiler constantly to prevent maple syrup from burning

Watch

Use high-temp oil to avoid smoking during baking

Substitutions

coconut sugar
brown sugar1:1sweetener

similar caramel notes

Full guide →
avocado oil
olive oil1:1neutral

works well but lower smoke point

Full guide →
maple syrup
honey1:1sweetener

different flavor profile

Full guide →
salmon
arctic char1:1fishfish-free

similar texture and cook time

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but thaw completely first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

What if I don't have coconut sugar?

Brown sugar works perfectly as a substitute with similar caramelizing properties.

How long will leftovers keep?

Refrigerate up to 3 days, though the glaze may soften upon reheating.