Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon is a flavorful, bold dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotles with the sweet richness of cherry jam. This quick 30-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with roasted asparagus, all cooked on a single sheet pan. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, while the asparagus absorbs the delicious flavors, making this meal both simple and sophisticated.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup cherry jam

  • ½ cup light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon chipotles in adobo sauce

  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes

• For the Salmon:

  • 6 salmon filets

  • ½-1 pound asparagus (rinsed and woody stems trimmed)

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½-1 teaspoon garlic salt

• Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh herbs

  • Rice pilaf or couscous

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 450°F.

2. Make the Cherry Chipotle Glaze:
   In a small saucepan, combine the cherry jam, chipotles, brown sugar, and onion flakes. Stir over medium heat until it comes to a simmer, and the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus:
   Rinse the salmon filets and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the filets on a parchment-lined sheet pan, leaving 1-2 inches of space between them. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon on the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the fish and vegetables.

4. Season the Salmon and Asparagus:
   Sprinkle black pepper and garlic salt over the salmon and asparagus. Rub the seasonings into the salmon.

5. Bake the Salmon:
   Bake the salmon for 10 minutes. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and spoon the cherry chipotle glaze over each piece of salmon. Return the pan to the oven and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon reaches 135°F.

6. Serve:
   Serve the glazed salmon over rice pilaf, couscous, or your favorite side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 510 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 61g

• Protein: 36g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 94mg

• Sodium: 294mg

• Potassium: 1069mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 47g

• Vitamin A: 641 IU

• Vitamin C: 10mg

• Calcium: 68mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Bold Flavors of the Cherry Chipotle Glaze

The glaze in this recipe is the star of the dish, combining the sweetness of cherry jam with the smokiness and heat of chipotle peppers. The chipotle in adobo sauce adds depth to the glaze, giving it a unique smoky flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. Brown sugar intensifies the sweetness, while onion flakes bring a savory touch to the overall flavor profile.

The glaze is simple to make—just combine the ingredients in a saucepan, simmering until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together. The result is a sticky, bold glaze that beautifully caramelizes on the salmon as it bakes. This glaze transforms the salmon from a simple fish dish to something extraordinary, with a rich, layered flavor that’s both sweet and spicy.

Preparing the Salmon and Asparagus

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. First, preheat your oven to 450°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Rinse and pat dry the salmon filets before arranging them on the sheet pan with a bit of space between each piece. The parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, while allowing the salmon to bake evenly.

Next, prepare the asparagus by trimming the woody ends and rinsing them. Place the asparagus around the salmon on the pan. Drizzle olive oil over both the salmon and asparagus to ensure they cook evenly and remain moist during the baking process.

Seasoning the Salmon and Asparagus

The seasoning for the salmon and asparagus is simple yet flavorful. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and garlic salt enhances the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables. The garlic salt complements the sweetness of the cherry chipotle glaze, while the pepper adds a subtle warmth that balances the smoky heat of the chipotle.

Be sure to rub the seasoning into the salmon to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. This helps to ensure a perfectly seasoned meal, with each bite of salmon and asparagus bursting with flavor.

Baking the Salmon to Perfection

Baking the salmon is quick and easy. Start by baking the salmon and asparagus at 450°F for 10 minutes. This initial baking allows the fish to begin cooking and the asparagus to soften slightly. After 10 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and spoon the cherry chipotle glaze over each piece of salmon. Be generous with the glaze, as it will create a beautifully sticky coating during the final minutes of cooking.

Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135°F at its thickest part. This will result in a medium-rare to medium doneness, which is ideal for keeping the salmon moist and tender. If you prefer your salmon cooked more thoroughly, you can bake for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook it.

Serving the Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon

Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the fish to rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the glazed salmon over a bed of rice pilaf, couscous, or your favorite side dish. The tender salmon, paired with the sweet and smoky glaze, makes a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For an extra burst of freshness and color, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. A squeeze of lemon juice also adds a lovely, bright note that complements the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the glaze.

Nutritional Benefits of Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon

Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides 36 grams of protein, making it a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.

The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only 61 grams per serving, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It also provides healthy fats, with 13 grams of total fat, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to heart health.

The cherry jam provides a natural source of sugar, but it’s balanced with fiber from the asparagus (3 grams per serving). The asparagus also adds vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The addition of garlic and onion flakes in the glaze further enhances the nutritional profile, as garlic has antioxidant properties and supports immune health.

Conclusion

Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon is an easy, quick, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers and the sweetness of the cherry jam combine to create a glaze that transforms the salmon into a delicious, bold meal. Paired with roasted asparagus, this dish offers a well-balanced combination of flavors and nutrients.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over rice pilaf, couscous, or another favorite side, Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon is sure to become a go-to meal for any seafood lover.