Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce
Delicate salmon fillets smoked over fruitwood and finished with a sweet maple glaze, served alongside a tangy mustard dill sauce. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 110 minutes blends (6-ounce each) salmon fillets, tablespoon kosher salt, tablespoon brown sugar 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
- 4 (6-ounce each) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups applewood chips
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Rub this mixture evenly over the surface of 4 six-ounce salmon fillets. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes to dry brine.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F with 2 cups applewood chips for a mild, fruity smoke. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 1 hour, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 3: During the last 10 minutes of smoking, brush the 1/4 cup maple syrup evenly over the top of each fillet to create a sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl to make the tangy mustard dill sauce. Serve the smoked salmon warm with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (40 min prep + 70 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 Mustard 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 Mustard 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 Mustard 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 Mustard Dill Sauce?
American 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.
