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Flavorful Maple Dijon Grilled Salmon Recipe with Charred Lemon

maple dijon grilled salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe featuring a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze with smoky charred lemon, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large fresh lemon, halved for charring
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  2. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  4. Cut one large lemon in half crosswise and set aside for charring.
  5. Using a brush, coat the flesh side of each fillet generously with the maple Dijon glaze. Reserve a little glaze for basting later.
  6. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Place lemon halves cut-side down next to the salmon. Grill the salmon for about 4–5 minutes without moving to get nice grill marks.
  7. Carefully flip the salmon using tongs or a spatula. Brush the top side with remaining glaze. Continue grilling for another 3–4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium doneness.
  8. Keep the lemon halves on the grill until they have a deep char and softened, about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
  9. Remove salmon and lemon from the grill. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Squeeze the charred lemon juice generously over the salmon before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before glazing to help the glaze stick and promote caramelization. Oil the grill grate well to prevent sticking. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the glaze. Let salmon rest briefly after grilling to lock in juices. The charred lemon juice adds a bright, smoky finish—don’t skip it. If grilling isn’t an option, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes and broil briefly to mimic char.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, maple Dijon glaze, charred lemon, easy dinner, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon, gluten-free, dairy-free