Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini
Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant citrus-maple glaze, served alongside smoky charred broccolini for a balanced, elegant meal. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, bunch, about 8 oz broccolini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 olive oil
- 1 bunch, about 8 oz broccolini
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through.
- Step 2: While salmon cooks, toss 1 bunch broccolini (8 oz) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and char broccolini for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and lightly blackened.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Spoon the citrus-maple glaze over the salmon fillets and serve immediately with the charred broccolini on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
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 Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Maple Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
Seafood 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.