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This Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta is a hearty and delicious sheet-pan meal that’s perfect for fall. The rich maple cider glaze on the salmon combines beautifully with roasted apples, Brussels sprouts, and creamy honey butter polenta. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salmon and Vegetables:

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 and pitted
1/2 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
1 tbsp olive oil

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
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon (if using), cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon filets and let them sit for 10 minutes.
Roast Vegetables: Toss the apples and Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them onto the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12 minutes.
Make the Cider Reduction: While the vegetables roast, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly. Set aside.
Cook the Salmon: After the vegetables have roasted for 12 minutes, push them to one side of the baking sheet. Place the salmon on the other side and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
Make the Polenta: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the polenta and continue to stir for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Divide the polenta, salmon, apples, and Brussels sprouts onto plates. Drizzle with the maple cider reduction and enjoy!

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 550 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 680 mg

This Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta offers the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, making it a fantastic dish for a cozy fall dinner!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it combines a variety of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. The salmon, with its rich, tender flesh, is enhanced by the sweet maple cider glaze that brings a touch of warmth and spice. The roasted apples and Brussels sprouts provide earthy sweetness and crispness, while the creamy honey butter polenta adds a rich, smooth texture to the dish. All of these elements come together on a single sheet pan, making this meal both convenient and impressive. The maple cider glaze brings a fall-inspired sweetness and depth that pairs beautifully with the salmon and the other roasted ingredients.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Salmon: The salmon filets are the centerpiece of this dish. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making them a healthy and flavorful choice. The maple cider glaze enhances their natural flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Apple Cider and Maple Syrup: These two ingredients create the base of the glaze, giving it that fall-inspired sweetness and depth. Apple cider adds a hint of tartness, while the maple syrup adds a sweet, earthy richness.
Soy Sauce and Bourbon: Soy sauce adds umami and depth to the glaze, while the bourbon (optional) brings a smoky, warm undertone to the dish. These ingredients help balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Brussels Sprouts and Apples: The Brussels sprouts bring a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the apples, which become tender and caramelized when roasted. Together, they provide a beautiful contrast to the rich salmon and creamy polenta.
Polenta: Polenta is the perfect base for this dish, offering a creamy texture that pairs well with the savory and sweet flavors of the salmon and vegetables. The honey butter adds richness and sweetness, making the polenta indulgent and comforting.
Honey and Parmesan: The honey adds a subtle sweetness to the polenta, while the Parmesan cheese gives it a salty, umami-packed flavor that enhances the creamy texture.

How to Make Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta

This meal may seem like it involves a lot of steps, but it’s all about layering flavors and cooking each component to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious fall-inspired dish:

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, soy sauce, bourbon (if using), cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour half of this marinade over the salmon filets in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, ensuring the salmon is well-coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. Roast the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss the apple slices and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast for 12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and caramelize slightly.

3. Make the Cider Reduction

While the vegetables roast, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly. Set aside.

4. Cook the Salmon

After the vegetables have roasted for 12 minutes, push them to one side of the baking sheet.
Place the marinated salmon on the other side of the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Make the Polenta

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring it to a simmer.
Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve

Slice the salmon into portions and divide the polenta, salmon, and vegetables among plates.
Drizzle the maple cider reduction over the salmon and vegetables.
Garnish with extra Parmesan, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions if desired.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta provides approximately:

Calories: 550 kcal. This is a hearty, satisfying meal that combines a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates: 50 grams. The polenta contributes the majority of the carbs in this dish, making it filling and comforting.
Protein: 30 grams. The salmon provides a healthy dose of protein, along with omega-3 fatty acids.
Fat: 28 grams. The butter, salmon, and olive oil contribute to the fat content, giving this meal a rich, satisfying texture.
Saturated Fat: 8 grams. The fat from the butter and salmon adds richness to the dish.
Cholesterol: 80 mg. The salmon and butter contribute to the cholesterol content.
Sodium: 680 mg. The soy sauce and the maple syrup contribute to the sodium level, but it’s balanced with the vegetables and polenta.
Fiber: 3 grams. The Brussels sprouts and polenta provide fiber, which helps with digestion.
Sugar: 6 grams. The maple syrup and honey contribute to the slight sweetness in the dish, balancing the savory components.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
With Roasted Vegetables: You can add a side of roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for an extra layer of autumn-inspired flavors.
Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light white wine like Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir, which complements the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the maple glaze.

Conclusion

Maple Cider Glazed Salmon with Honey Butter Polenta is a hearty, delicious meal that combines fall-inspired flavors in a simple, yet elegant way. The crispy salmon, sweet cider glaze, and creamy honey butter polenta make for an indulgent dish, while the roasted apples and Brussels sprouts add a comforting, earthy component. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and packs a punch of flavor. It’s a perfect meal to enjoy on a cozy evening and will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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