Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme
Tender salmon fillets brushed with a sweet maple and garlic glaze, finished with fresh thyme over direct heat. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, pure maple syrup, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the glaze.
- Step 2: Preheat a gas grill to medium heat around 375°F and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and brush both sides generously with the maple-garlic-thyme glaze.
- Step 4: Place salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes until grill marks form and flesh is opaque halfway up the sides.
- Step 5: Carefully flip salmon and brush with more glaze, then grill another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium doneness.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest 3 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set and flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 goes well with Maple-Glazed Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Thyme?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
