Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze
Delicately smoked salmon finished with a sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze, perfect for a refined yet approachable seafood dish. This barbecue recipe, ready in about 130 minutes, pairs salmon fillet, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, skin on salmon fillet
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups soaked applewood chips
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs salmon fillet with skin on; season evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, rubbing gently into flesh.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked applewood chips; place salmon skin-side down on smoker grate and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 140°F and fish flakes easily.
- Step 3: While salmon smokes, whisk together 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 4: During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the maple mustard glaze generously over the salmon to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with extra glaze on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Applewood-Smoked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze?
Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
