Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Delicately smoked salmon glazed with sweet maple syrup, complemented by a fresh and tangy lemon-dill sauce for a light, elegant dish. This bbq & smoked-inspired seafood ready in about 135 minutes blends salmon fillet, maple syrup, kosher salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 salmon fillet
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1.5 cups alder wood chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs salmon fillet and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brush evenly with 1/4 cup maple syrup to create a glaze.
- Step 2: Soak 1.5 cups alder wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat smoker to 225°F, then add soaked chips.
- Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
- Step 5: Serve smoked salmon warm or chilled with a generous dollop of the lemon-dill sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
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-Dill Sauce 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-Dill Sauce?
BBQ & Smoked seafood 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.
