Easy Baked Salmon with Garic Balsamic Glaze
Easy Baked Salmon with Garlic Balsamic Glaze
Description
A tender side of salmon is baked until flaky, then finished with a glossy garlic balsamic glaze made with 25 Star Dark Balsamic, Garlic Infused Olive Oil, honey, Dijon, and fresh herbs. It is elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight seafood dinner.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
1 large salmon fillet, about 2½ to 3 pounds
2 tablespoons Garlic Infused Olive Oil, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup 25 Star Dark Balsamic
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper
Pinch of cayenne, optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Pat the salmon dry and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon Garlic Infused Olive Oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
• In a small saucepan, combine 25 Star Dark Balsamic and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic reduces slightly and becomes glossy but still spoonable.
• Remove from heat and whisk in Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper, cayenne if using, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Garlic Infused Olive Oil.
• Brush the salmon generously with the garlic balsamic glaze, reserving a few spoonfuls for finishing.
• Bake 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches your preferred doneness.
• Remove from the oven and rest 3–5 minutes.
• Brush lightly with the reserved glaze, then finish with fresh parsley, dill, and lemon wedges if desired.
Chef’s Tip
Keep the glaze glossy and spoonable rather than reducing it into a syrup. A slightly looser glaze brushes more evenly over the salmon and gives the finished dish a cleaner, more elegant look.
Flavor Variations
• Pomegranate Dark Balsamic gives the glaze brighter acidity and a fresh fruit finish.
• Blackberry Dark Balsamic creates a richer berry glaze that works especially well with wild salmon.
• Rosemary Infused Olive Oil adds an earthy herb note that pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes.
• Blood Orange Olive Oil brings a subtle citrus lift and balances the richness of the fish.
• Add a little extra Dijon for a sharper, more savory glaze.
Pairings
Serve with roasted asparagus, broccolini, sautéed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, wild rice pilaf, lemon herb rice, or a crisp arugula salad. Complements Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, sparkling water with citrus, or hard cider.
Build Your Plate
Turn this into a complete dinner
The garlic balsamic glaze is rich, savory, and lightly sweet, so the best plate needs something green, something hearty, and a fresh finish to balance the salmon.
Finished Meal
Easy Baked Salmon with Garlic Balsamic Glaze, roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and a crisp arugula salad with fresh herbs.
Protein
Whole salmon fillet, individual salmon portions, steelhead trout, or Arctic char
Vegetables & Sides
Roasted asparagus, broccolini, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, wild rice pilaf, lemon herb rice, or arugula salad
Flavor Pairing
25 Star Dark Balsamic with Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Recipe Notes
For a moister, chef-style salmon, pull the fish when the center is still slightly glossy and let carryover heat finish the texture. For fully cooked salmon, continue baking until it reaches 145°F. Add the fresh herbs after baking so they stay bright and fragrant.
