Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• A seasonal dish that highlights apples, Brussels sprouts, and maple.
• The polenta adds a creamy, buttery base that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for a weeknight.
• Naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

For the salmon and glaze:
1 lb salmon, sliced into filets
3/4 cup apple cider
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp bourbon (optional)
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 honeycrisp apples, quartered, pits removed
1/2 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

For the honey butter polenta:
4 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup dry yellow polenta
1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
3 tbsp honey

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon (if using), and cayenne. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly reduced and syrupy, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Place salmon filets, apples, and Brussels sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush salmon with glaze and drizzle some over the vegetables.
4. Roast in the oven for 15–18 minutes, basting salmon halfway through with more glaze, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Meanwhile, make the polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and 2 cups of water to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
6. Stir in butter, parmesan, and honey until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
7. To serve, spoon honey butter polenta onto plates, top with salmon, roasted apples, and Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Swap salmon for trout or Arctic char.
• Use pear instead of apple for a different sweetness.
• Add roasted squash or sweet potatoes along with the vegetables.
• Make it dairy-free by using olive oil and dairy-free parmesan in the polenta.
• For extra spice, increase cayenne or add a touch of chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat salmon gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to avoid drying out.
• Reheat polenta on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water, stirring until creamy again.

FAQs

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm before using.

Can I cook the salmon on the stovetop instead?

Yes, sear salmon in a skillet with a little oil, then pour the glaze over and cook until it thickens.

What type of apple works best?

Honeycrisp is ideal, but Fuji or Gala also work well.

Can I use instant polenta?

Yes, instant polenta will cut the cooking time to about 5 minutes.

How do I keep salmon from overcooking?

Check for doneness at 12–15 minutes salmon should flake easily but remain moist in the center.

Can I substitute the bourbon?

Yes, simply omit it or replace with additional apple cider.

Is the dish very sweet?

The glaze is sweet-savory, balanced by soy sauce and cayenne, and pairs well with the creamy, slightly salty polenta.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

How do I make the polenta creamier?

Add more milk or butter until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Can this dish be served without polenta?

Absolutely it’s also delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous.

Conclusion

Maple cider glazed salmon with honey butter polenta is a warm, flavorful dish that combines autumn-inspired ingredients into a comforting yet refined meal. The sweet-savory glaze and creamy polenta balance perfectly, making this recipe an excellent choice for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant dish to impress guests.

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