Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender Pacific salmon fillet pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a fragrant cedar-smoked maple glaze that highlights Seattle’s coastal flavors. This american northwest-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs maple syrup, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American Northwest cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 Pacific salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes until just opaque in the center.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from heat and pour the maple glaze over the fillets in the pan, spooning it over the top while still warm.
  6. Step 6: For cedar smoke, place a small handful of smoked cedar chips in a covered grill or smoking box, and briefly smoke the glazed salmon for 3 minutes to infuse aroma.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme over the salmon before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple Glaze?

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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple 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 Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Pacific Salmon with Cedar-Infused Maple Glaze?

American Northwest 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.

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