Maple Glazed Salmon

April 21, 2022

Serves 6 – 8

Salmon are sacred to the nations of the Pacific Northwest. They play an integral role in religion, culture, and physical sustenance. The annual salmon return and its celebration assure the renewal and continuation of human and all other life. To the nations of the Pacific Northwest salmon and the rivers they use are a part of their sense of place. Salmon are an important indicator species: As water becomes degraded and fish populations decline, so too will the elk, deer, roots, berries and medicines.

Maple syrup knowledge existed long before settlers arrived in the land we currently call Canada. Haudenosaunee traditional knowledge includes descriptions of piercing maple trees for ‘sweet water’ and many Anishinaabe communities have traditions of collecting sap during the “sugaring off” period. The Sugar Moon is the first full moon in March. This is the time when sap runs from the maple trees, and maple syrup is made. It is considered the start of the new year for many in the Anishinabek Nation. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon side, preferably wild or 6-8 pieces of salmon
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter

Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium saucepan combine the maple syrup, lemon juice and zest, grated ginger and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to boil until it is reduced by half. Whisk in the cold butter.

Meanwhile, remove the skin, if desired, from the salmon using a sharp knife. Portion the salmon into 6 or 8 pieces. Wash the salmon and pat dry. Place the salmon in the prepared baking dish and season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Brush with half the glaze. Bake for 10 minutes then brush the salmon with the remaining glaze. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

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