Raspberry Glazed Salmon is one of my favorites for a meal that feels special without the fuss. The first time I made it, I was shocked by how the sweet, tangy raspberry glaze perfectly cut through the salmon’s richness, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. It looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
What you’ll love most is the beautiful color and how the glaze caramelizes, giving the fish an irresistible finish. It’s become a staple in my home for busy weeknights and casual dinners, proving a show-stopping meal doesn’t need to be complicated.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Glaze
Using fresh raspberries gives the brightest flavor, but frozen ones work just as well.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salmon
I prefer using Atlantic salmon for its rich texture, but sockeye is a great leaner option.
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Raspberry Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Glaze
Combine raspberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, mashing the raspberries with a spoon as they cook. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Get the Salmon Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s crucial to pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel to get a beautiful sear. After that, drizzle them with olive oil and season generously on all sides.
Step 3: Sear and Bake the Salmon
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes to form a golden-brown crust. Then, flip the salmon and brush a generous layer of the raspberry glaze over the top.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve Your Raspberry Glazed Salmon
Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily. For an extra caramelized top, broil for the last minute, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Serve right away, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the top.
My Best Raspberry Glazed Salmon Tips
The Secret to a Perfect Glaze
My number one tip is to use a high-quality balsamic vinegar; it adds a depth of flavor that thinner vinegars can’t match. If your glaze seems too thin, just let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it nicely coats the back of a spoon.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Give your salmon fillets plenty of space in the skillet. If they are crammed together, they will steam instead of sear. If your pan isn’t big enough, it’s always better to cook in two batches.
How to Know When Salmon Is Done
The easiest way to check is to gently press the thickest part of the fillet with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. The internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook for a few minutes from residual heat after you pull it from the oven.
Variations of This Glazed Salmon
While this is a Raspberry Glazed Salmon recipe, the glaze is wonderfully versatile. You could try using blackberries for a deeper, earthier flavor or even a mix of berries. For a sweet and spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze as it simmers. To introduce another layer of flavor, stir in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme during the last minute of cooking for a savory contrast to the sweet fruit.
For more delicious seafood ideas, explore this Crab Brulee Recipe. It’s another unique and flavorful way to bring seafood to your table!
FAQs
Which Sauce Goes Best with Salmon?
The best sauce balances salmon’s rich flavor. Citrus-based sauces, creamy ones like tzatziki, or savory glazes like teriyaki are all fantastic. Ultimately, a fruit-based sauce like this raspberry version provides a wonderful sweet and tangy contrast.
What Goes with Glazed Salmon?
Glazed salmon pairs beautifully with sides like roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, quinoa salad, or fluffy rice to soak up the extra glaze.
What Is the Most Flavorful Way to Cook Salmon?
Pan-searing first and then finishing it in the oven is one of the most flavorful methods, as it creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
What Not to Do with Salmon?
The biggest mistake is overcooking it. Also, always pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a good sear, and avoid moving it around too much in the pan to allow a crust to form.
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Raspberry Glazed Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this stunning Raspberry Glazed Salmon. This dish perfectly balances the rich flavor of salmon with a sweet and tangy raspberry glaze, creating a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a special meal without the fuss. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the salmon an irresistible color and finish.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Glaze
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salmon
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Raspberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spoon to mash the raspberries. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Get the Salmon Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel—this is key for a good sear. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Salmon
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side up if applicable, in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them to create a golden-brown crust. Flip the fillets over.
Glaze and Bake
Brush a generous layer of the raspberry glaze over the top of the seared salmon. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For an extra caramelized top, you can broil for the last minute, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Serve immediately with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Notes
Check for Doneness:
Salmon is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C). It will flake easily when pressed with a fork. Remember it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat.
Glaze Consistency:
If your glaze is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce further. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or vinegar to thin it out.
Storage:
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be enjoyed cold on salads or gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
Variations:
Feel free to swap raspberries for blackberries or strawberries. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Sear, Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 105
Keywords: raspberry glazed salmon, salmon recipe, easy salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon recipe, fruit glazed salmon, baked salmon, pan seared salmon
