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Fresh salmon, pan-seared, then oven-roasted to finish – topped with a delicious balsamic glaze, This Glazed Salmon Recipe is SO GOOD!!
The glaze is made from balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic and dijon mustard. Yum!
Update: This was originally posted in 2017 and has been updated to improve reader experience with newer photos, and clearer instructions. The recipe remains the same!
You guys, this is a GREAT dinner for date night (or any old night, really). It is super simple – which is always the best way, and really good for you. This Pan-Seared Salmon would be really good for tonight!
This is a meal I make for my husband as often as I can – he’s a huge fan of balsamic glazed salmon, and I really eat salmon as much as I should. It’s SO tasty, and the entire family enjoys it.
DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE GLAZE! The glaze is easy enough to make while your salmon cooks. Just keep it warm, ready for drizzling over the top.
How to cook Salmon on the stove
I really like the method of pan crisping (for those lovely brown bits), then finishing off by roasting in the oven. You really don’t want to OVER cook salmon, so do keep an eye on it. Depending on the thickness of your salmon, 5-8 minutes will be perfect in the oven (after crisping). It will flake easily with a fork – it’s pretty easy, I promise!
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
Is Salmon good for me?
You betcha it is! It is:
– Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
– Rich in high-quality protein
– Excellent source of B vitamins
– a good source of Potassium
– May reduce the risk of heart disease
What to serve with Salmon
I serve this with green beans. You could do any vegetable of course – and serve with some risotto, quinoa etc – whatever you like! I sometimes make some roasted potatoes alongside it – but that does extend the time in the kitchen. You choose!
Ingredients:
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
- Salmon – I use smaller filets, around 5oz. These can be any kind of salmon you prefer.
- Olive Oil – you can use Extra Virgin or a light blend, either will work.
- Balsamic Vinegar – my favorite kind of vinegar. Dark, sweet, and with an intense flavor, it’s key to this. Please don’t sub it for any other kind!!
- Maple Syrup – this is NOT pancake syrup, folks. Use pure maple syrup, or substitute honey, or agave syrup.
- Dijon Mustard – this gives the glaze a lovely flavor.
- Garlic – freshly minced, don’t sub powder here. Don’t go too crazy with the garlic!
How to cook Salmon
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
Begin by preheating the oven. We’re going to be using it really soon! If you are using salmon with the skin on, I recommend you remove it.
Heat oil in an ovenproof skillet (or use an olive oil cooking spray). Season up the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper and add salmon to the skillet. We’re pan-searing, then finishing in the oven – so don’t worry about cooking it all the way through on the stovetop. You’ll cook it for 2 minutes on each side, before baking in the oven for about 5-8 minutes (depending on the thickness of your salmon, and the size of each piece).
We’re pan-searing, then finishing in the oven – so don’t worry about cooking it all the way through on the stovetop. You’ll cook it for 2 minutes on each side, before baking in the oven for about 5-8 minutes (depending on the thickness of your salmon, and the size of each piece).
Meanwhile, add the glaze ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze turns syrupy and thickened. See the spoon? It should look like that.
When the salmon is perfectly cooked, and the glaze suitably syrupy, plate it up! Place the salmon on your plate (with some green beans if you are doing those), and drizzle with the Balsamic Glaze. Bring extra glaze to the table in a small bowl. Devour immediately.
- How about some more fish recipes?
- GRILLED – Honey Lemon Butter Salmon (from Averie Cooks)
- BAKED – Oven Baked Fish (with Lemon)
- Want more easy weeknight meals?
- This Italian Style Mozzarella Skillet is the stuff of DREAMS. Try it!
- One Pan Ham & Cheese Pasta – pure comfort food and ready in under 30 minutes. YESSSS!!
- ALL WEEKNIGHT RECIPES
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Pan Seared Salmon with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 5oz salmon fillets
- 1.5 Tbs olive oil
BALSAMIC GLAZE
- 4 Tbs balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbs maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Add glaze ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 2-3 minutes, or until glaze turns syrupy and glaze-y. Keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat about 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil in a medium oven-proof pan over medium heat.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper on both sides, and add to the hot pan.
- Cook 2 minutes on each side (will release easily from pan when ready to flip). Should be a golden brown. on the surface.
- Remove from the heat – and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake 5-8 minutes, or to your liking (will depend on thickness and size of your salmon).
- To serve – place a salmon fillet on each plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Devour.
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Kate says
It looks so beautiful!
Kylee says
Thanks, Kate! The Husband loved it!
Megan Marlowe says
This looks delicious and super easy. I don’t eat nearly enough salmon as I should. I just need easier, quicker and more delicious ways of preparing it. This recipe leaves me no excuses!
[email protected] says
I love quick and easy dinners and this recipe would definitely qualify. This is something you really could make any night of the week and not just for special occasions 🙂
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
A balsamic glaze on salmon sounds delicious! Btw, if you buy your salmon skin on, then pan sear it skin side down first, the skin will turn crispy and delicious! I always do skin on because the skin is delicious 😀
Veena Azmanov says
I think Salmon and balsamic sound like an amazing combination!! I usually love some sesame beens or mashed potatoes with my Salmon.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
This looks like the perfect quick and easy way to prepare salmon. It sounds like a great weeknight dinner!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I love working with salmon. It is such a great fish. It holds it own, and only requires some simple seasonings like you have here. A great balsamic does wonders on so many dishes. Elegant and easy.
Sara @ Modern Little Victories says
Oh my goodness this looks amazing! So fresh and light and really simple!
Leah says
I love how easy this is, and finishing in the oven makes it even easier! Sounds like the perfect dinner!
Kathy says
oh that glaze! It makes me want to lick the screen! We love salmon and I am always looking for easy and great salmon recipes. This is definitely one I will be making soon. Perfect for special occasions and weeknight meals as it’s so easy to make!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
With lent just a few weeks away and spring on the horizon, I’m looking forward to eating salmon. I’m always on the search for new recipe ideas for dinner and can’t wait to try this one, yum!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
We certainly love our wild-caught salmon. We purchase it with the skin on because we grill it. The skin helps to keep it moist. I bet Hubby was happy with the meal. The green beans really compliment the color of the salmon.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Fish dishes are definitely my weakest. Hubby loves fish and I am sure he would enjoy this recipe, and I love how simple it is!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
This looks really really good! Balsamic glaze is awesome on everything!
Byron Thomas says
Looks great! Now you’ve got me craving salmon. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had salmon. I love the simple, rustic ingredients you’ve used to create such a beautiful dish. Everyone has those things in their pantry already. Love that! Sounds and looks like the perfect dish to share with your hubby.
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
So simple yet so delicious and HEALTHY! Perfect any day dinner if you aske me 😉 Thanks for recipe Kylee.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Simple recipes with few ingredients are the most delicious ones. I love the balsamic glaze. I have just recently started using balsamic in my recipes and I have to admit that I am addicted to its flavors. I almost always use mustard with balsamic and simply love it.
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
Salmon is one of my least favorite fishes, but it’s SO healthy, we’ve been eating a lot lately. So good for little toddler brain development! I’m always looking for new methods, so I will definitely give this a try.
Daniela Anderson says
Yum indeed! Salmon is by far my favourite fish, not only for its great flavour, but also because it can be cooked in no time. Excellent glaze, it goes so well with salmon, and those greens on the plate make the dish absolutely beautiful. I’d have it anytime!
Molly Kumar says
This looks delicious Kylee. I love Salmon anI love recipes that bring out more of the Salmon flavor. This is so easy to make and the side of beans complement it nicely.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Salmon is my fave thing ever, and this looks beyond flavorful and delicious!
Jacqui Debono says
I tried this recipe for dinner and it was so good! We are big salmon fans, and this was a nice and easy recipe, but full of flavour.
Veena Azmanov says
Fish is my all time favorite and this platter looks awesome.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
I literally just said to my husband, “Honey, how do you want your salmon cooked tonight?” and BOOM! I find this in my feed! It looks amazing and it’s what’s for dinner!
Anne Lawton says
Can I just say that I just had dinner, and I’m now craving this. It will be on my table soon, I love that sauce
Leslie says
Great, classic, delicious recipe here. This recipe is sure to please any fish lover. YUM!
Linda says
Salmon is my favorite thing ever and this balsamic-glazed salmon is all I need now. Plus, who can say no to a 20-minutes meal? It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Tammy says
Ahh man this sounds amazing!! I love the balsamic glaze! What a fantastic idea and one I need to try soon. It’s been too long since I’ve had salmon ^_^
Sharon says
I try to serve salmon at least once a week so I’m always looking for delicious recipes to shake up our dinner routine. The balsamic glaze on this has me thinking this is going in my rotation.
Donna says
This glaze!!!! So good, new favourite salmon dish. Yummo!
Kushigalu says
What a lovely combination this is. So delicious too. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda Mason says
The flavor in this pan seared salon is ridiculously tasty!! Love the balsamic vinegar glaze! Super easy to make – this is a WINNER recipe!!! No wonder your husband wants it all the time!!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
We LOVE this salmon dish! It’s now on the meal plan cycle regularly, it’s so good!