Apricot Glazed Salmon Recipe

May 17, 2023

Apricot Glazed Salmon Recipe by A Healthy Life For Me.

This easy Apricot Glazed Salmon Recipe cooks up in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, and delivers big, bold flavor. Sweet, sticky, and savory, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Salmon portions with asparagus and rice on white dinner plates.

A Simple Glazed Salmon Recipe That’s Bursting with Flavor!

Glazed salmon is one of those dishes that sounds complex, but it’s actually very simple. I love making this apricot glazed salmon on busy nights, because it cooks up very quickly with minimal prep. A healthy, restaurant-worthy recipe that’s a little fancy without being difficult? Yes!

If that sounds like a good fit, you’ve got to try this dish. I know, some of you might be thinking, “Apricots? With salmon?” Trust me, this glaze is all kinds of sweet, savory, ginger-y deliciousness. Apricot jam just gives it even more sticky-sweet flavor!

How Healthy Is Salmon for You?

Salmon is so good for you that it has earned the name superfood! Loaded with protein, B vitamins, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, this simple ingredient supports brain and heart health. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help fight cancer.

Glazed salmon recipe ingredients, measured and arranged on a work surface.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need many ingredients to make my apricot glazed salmon recipe. Each one is a flavor powerhouse, so the recipe is super bold and saucy without being comlex or time-consuming!

Salmon: I used filets here, each one weighing about 6 ounces.
Apricot Preserves: Or apricot jam.
Mustard: I like a mix of stone ground mustard and Dijon, but you could use just one of those.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce, or tamari, or coconut aminos.
Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed is best, but bottled is fine, too!
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger.
Garlic: Grate the garlic as well, or press it with a garlic press.

How to Make This Apricot Glazed Salmon Recipe

No fancy techniques needed here. All you have to do is mix up the sauce, marinade the salmon while the oven heats, and bake.

Make the Sauce. In a small bowl whisk together the apricot preserves, stone ground mustard, Dijon, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic.

Apricot preserves, soy sauce, mustard, and other ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Apricot glaze mixture in a mixing bowl with a whisk resting in the bowl.

Marinate the Salmon. Place your salmon filets in a shallow baking dish, and gently pour the apricot sauce over them. Let the salmon sit in the marinade for the time that it takes your oven to preheat, about 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes – in that case, refrigerate it).
Bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the baking dish in the oven, and bake the salmon for about 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Enjoy!

What Is the Best Cooking Method for Salmon?

There’s really no wrong way to cook salmon. Stovetop, oven, air fryer, grill… it’s all good! This baked salmon method is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and hands-off. Perfect for a busy night when you’re short on time.

Close-up of apricot glazed salmon recipe, plated on a white rectangular platter.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Are you feeling hungry? I know I am! But before you grab that skillet, be sure to read through these recipe notes:

Salmon Filets: You can also make this apricot glazed salmon recipe with a single larger piece of salmon. Once it’s cooked, cut it into serving portions.
Frozen Salmon: You can definitely use frozen salmon here as well, but you’ll need to plan ahead and thaw it out in the refrigerator before you cook. I like to set frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost the night before.
Jam: You can substitute peach or orange preserves/jam, if you like.

A dinner plate with rice, asparagus, salmon, and a lime wedge.

What Goes Well with Glazed Salmon?

You can serve this glazed salmon recipe with all of your favorite sides. Here are just a few recipes to get you started:

Rice: Cauliflower rice or regular jasmine rice would be great. My Perfect Rice tutorial makes fluffy jasmine rice every time.
Asparagus: A side of Sesame Roasted Asparagus is always welcome on my table!
Salad: This Goat Cheese Roasted Beet Salad is healthy, flavorful, and unique. This combination of ingredients is irresistible!

Close-up shot of herb-garnished glazed salmon

How to Store and Reheat the Leftovers

Leftover cooked salmon will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F until heated through, but don’t overcook it or the fish will be dry.

Cutting into a salmon portion with a fork.

Can I Freeze This Glazed Salmon Recipe?

I do not recommend freezing the salmon. Freezing cooked salmon tends to make it soft and mushy, and it can be a little strong-smelling when you thaw and reheat it. This dish is best served fresh.