Chili-Lime 
Maple Glazed
Salmon

This one was a happy experiment for us. We threw the kitchen sink at the salmon and it turned out great. It's made it into our regular rotation. It brings a sweet fire and citrus lift to our wild Alaskan catch. A maple glaze caramelizes over the fillet while lime and chili cut through the richness for a balance that feels both bold and clean. We've always eyeballed the glaze and sometimes make a bit more than is called for - the glaze tastes amazing and goes well if you have this with rice. We've even spooned it over roast sweet potatoes!

INGREDIENTS

For the salmon:

  • 1 whole wild Alaskan salmon fillet (1.5–2 lb, skin on)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper

 

For the glaze:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1–2 tsp chili paste (sambal oelek, gochujang, or sriracha)
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional but adds pop)

 

To finish:

  • Thin lime slices
  • Chopped cilantro or green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds or Aleppo pepper flakes
  • Fried Shallots
  • Sliced fresno pepper rounds
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Flaky salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Prep the Fillet

Pat the salmon completely dry (for crisp edges and glossy glaze).

Set on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down.

Rub lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

 

2. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan or bowl, whisk together maple syrup, lime juice/zest, soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste, garlic, and ginger.

 

Warm gently on medium/low along with butter, heat until smooth and slightly thickened, let it bubble a bit before you take it off the heat. You’re looking for a silky syrup consistency — not watery, not sticky.

 

3. Glaze & Roast

Brush the salmon generously with the glaze.

 

Roast at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.We use a meat thermometer and pull the salmon at an internal temperature of 125F. Halfway through, brush again with more glaze.

 

For the final 1–2 minutes, switch to broil to caramelize and blister the edges.

 

4. Rest & Finish

Remove and rest 5 minutes.

Brush one last coat of glaze while warm.

Garnish with lime slices, herbs, sesame & Aleppo, shallots, peppers, peanuts,  and a pinch of flaky salt.