Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Delicate salmon fillets smoked gently and finished with a sweet maple glaze, brightened with fresh lemon and dill. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 85 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups soaked apple wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 180°F and add 1.5 cups soaked apple wood chips to create a mild smoke. Place salmon skin-side down on the smoker rack.
- Step 3: Smoke the salmon for 1 hour until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Step 4: While salmon smokes, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a small bowl.
- Step 5: During the last 10 minutes of smoking, brush the maple glaze generously over the salmon fillets and continue smoking to set the glaze.
- Step 6: Remove salmon from the smoker and serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill?
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 Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill?
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 Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill 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 Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Dill?
American bbq & smoked 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.
