Apple Glazed Baked Salmon

Salmon- you either love it or hate it. Except for this recipe where I turned my close friend from a salmon-hater to a believer.

Close up of baked salmon on foil with chives and parsley


 

Baked Salmon Recipe

Baking salmon is one of the most popular ways to prepare it. Closely followed by grilling, broiling, pan fry and of course, smoking.

One of the reasons people love it so much is how easy it is! Don’t get me wrong, I love a lemon dill, BBQ or pesto salmon like the rest of them, but the flavor profiles don’t tend to vary much. Same old, same old.

baked salmon filet cut into pieces

Before you start judging this easy salmon recipe, just hear me out. Yes, apples and horseradish sound gross but the sweetness of jelly combined with tartness of horseradish is just a perfect mix. Trust me, it is zippy.

What? I thought you said it was APPLE Baked Salmon?

Salmon Glaze

Yes, apple and horseradish. In fact, here is the whole list.

ingredients for salmon glaze in a bowl
  • Apple jelly – this serves as the sugar you’d usually add, mostly commonly in form of honey or maple syrup.
  • Champagne Vinegar- vinegar adds the acidity that balance sweet and savory flavors. You can also use white wine or apple cider.
  • Horseradish– this is the “AH” element and rightfully so, but the pungent punch of prepared horseradish isn’t overwhelming when paired with sweet flavors. Think about it paired with sweet ketchup for cocktail sauce.
  • Chives– if onions are for you, omit them. I like the fresh crunch they give in the sauce and for garnish. Scallions are also acceptable.
  • Apple Juice– more sweet and just enough to bind it all together.
  • Kosher salt & Freshly Ground Pepper– according to taste.
ingredients for baked salmon

Farm Raised vs Wild Caught

What is the difference between farm raised and wild caught salmon?

Wild caught salmon is generally lower in fat and calories because it is leaner from doing all that swimming upstream. The color is a deep, almost neon reddish-pink and it is usually thinner. It is higher in iodine and other contaminants are unknown because the fisher has no idea what it has come in contact with. It is also more expensive.

apple glazed salmon on a baking sheet

Farm raised is a little less expensive, more of a light pink color, thicker and more fatty. These fish are generally given antibiotics to prevent disease in their pens and fed a diet of grains and corn since they aren’t finding food in their natural habitat. Many are farmed sustainably to protect the population in the wild.

There are pros and cons to both farm raised and wild caught salmon. This is a sustainably farm raised Atlantic salmon that has never been frozen.

How to Bake Salmon

Since salmon is fairly fatty (the good kind), it can withstand high temperatures. Pair that with the optimal doneness being medium and you’ve got a pretty short cook time meaning that baking is ideal.

spatula cutting into baked salmon recipe

For nearly any fillet, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment to prevent sticking. Heat oven to 350-400 degrees.

How long do you bake salmon? Bake for 12-15 minutes for 1 inch thickness, more or less accordingly. Meat will be opaque and flaky. This works universally with almost all seasonings, rubs and sauces.

I sometimes opt to give mine a quick trip under the broiler just to brown the sugars in my glaze, but that is totally optional and will burn if you are simply using a rub.

juicy medium salmon

I don’t see the point in doing a foil wrapped salmon- it is essentially steaming it and can actually take longer to cook. There is no benefit to the tenderness of the fibers or flavor.

Grilled Salmon

Heat grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400 degrees. Oil grates well to prevent sticking. Also oil a fish basket to prevent sticking, if using.

Use the same marinade and instructions of first and second coat, but instead cook on indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. On average, pieces will be 1 inch thick.

salmon filet on a white plate with salad

Salmon Temperature

We are heading into murky territory, foodie friends. Technically speaking, salmon can be eaten raw, which means that if handled and stored properly, you are also free to eat it rare and anything above that.

fork easily flaking salmon

Most restaurants serve it medium, which is an internal temperature of 125 degrees, BUT the USDA recommends 145, which to many of us will be overdone.

Keep in mind that the reason most people don’t like making salmon at home is because it gets dry and that is usually a result of overcooking.

What to Serve with Salmon

Anything, really. I usually do some sort of vegetable or leafy green salad with a starch. Here are some of my favorites.

Apple glazed baked salmon for pinterest

More delicious salmon recipes:

angle view of salmon sandwich

Salmon Sandwich Recipe

The Ultimate Salmon Sandwich is the best salmon sandwich because it uses two types of salmon with dilled sour cream and caviar on a buttery brioche roll.
See The Recipe!
Ancho Citrus Salmon Recipe - a base of orange juice concentrate, lemon, ancho chili powder and a drip of honey. www.savoryexperiments.com

Ancho Citrus Salmon

Ancho Citrus Baked Salmon is a simple, easy, low fat, vitamin packed, deliciously tasty recipe! This ancho citrus marinade is an ideal sauce to use for salmon! 
See The Recipe!
Crispy Chipotle Salmon Salad is a simple and healthy salad filled with a fun texture and spicy chipotle peppers. Top with Cilantro Lime Dressing. #salmonsaladrecipe #saladrecipes #bakedsalmonrecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Crispy Chipotle Salmon Salad Recipe

Crispy Chipotle Salmon Salad is a simple and healthy salad filled with a fun texture and spicy chipotle peppers. Top with Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Pastrami Salmon Rub is a blend of the perfect salmon seasoning! Not only for baked salmon, this rub also work for grilled salmon and salmon kabobs!

Pastrami Spiced Salmon

Pastrami Salmon Rub is a blend of the perfect salmon seasoning! Not only for baked salmon, this rub also work for grilled salmon and salmon kabobs!
See The Recipe!

Tools for making salmon recipes:

9 x 13 Glass Baking Dish– an absolute essential for any kitchen! Use it for baking, marinating or storing. Get one with a lid, you’ll thank me later.

Wood cutting board – wood won’t dull your knives like plastic and if treated properly, has natural antimicrobial properties.

baked salmon on a baking sheet
glazed baked salmon on foil

Apple Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe

4.93 from 13 votes
Moist and quick baked salmon with an apple and horseradish glaze. Sweet and savory for the perfect weeknight dinner idea!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Rinse fish, pat dry and place in a deep glass baking dish coated in cooking spray. Season fish with kosher sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine apple jelly, vinegar, horseradish, apple juice and chives. Mix well, however there may be lumps and it will be a little milky. This is normal.
  • Baste over salmon filet, reserving anything leftover, you'll baste it again.
  • Bake uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove, baste again and turn oven to high broil. Broil for 1-2 minutes until edges brown slightly.
  • Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chives and/or chopped parsley.
  • If you've tried this recipe, make sure to come back and let us know how you liked it! 

Nutrition

Calories: 378 kcal, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 34 g, Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 93 mg, Sodium: 121 mg, Potassium: 915 mg, Sugar: 24 g, Vitamin A: 100 IU, Vitamin C: 6.4 mg, Calcium: 33 mg, Iron: 1.6 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 378
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked salmon recipe, how long to bake salmon, Salmon in the oven
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
close up of glazed baked salmon
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.93 from 13 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. I hated it as an kid, but I have really grown to love it. My husband makes amazing fish. We’ll have to try this!

  2. Hi it’s Brenda, I’m not a fan of salmon as it’s too fishy tasting but this may take away the taste and make it actually appetizing. Thanks for sharing.

  3. I used to hate salmon but I’ve tried some really good recipes that turned me into a believer too. This one looks so good.

  4. 5 stars
    This is perfect for my son! He loves salmon, and I found out a few months ago, at Passover, that he loves horseradish! What a great recipe, thanks for this!

  5. 5 stars
    This Apple Roasted Salmon recipe is just as delicious as it looks right here on this page! It was beautiful, flavorful and tasty – my entire family loved it. And the best part? It was quick and easy to make!

  6. 5 stars
    I usually paid my salmon with lemon but the apple in this adds such a nice touch of sweetness!

  7. The Apple salmon was so GOOD. I was a little nervous at first when putting everything together, but after it cooked for about 20 min it tasted great. You are right the sweet and spicy really works well together. Thanks for the recipes. Can’t wait to try another one!!!!