Grilled Salmon with Maple Syrup and Soy Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Grilled Maple Soy Salmon

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
• teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• teaspoon salt
• 2 (5 ounce) salmon fillets

Directions:

1. In a shallow with a tight-fitting lid, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, pepper, and salt.
2. Place the salmon fillets, flesh-side down, into the and seal it. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate. Once heated, reduce the heat on one side to low.
4. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, over the low heat on the preheated grill. Close the lid and allow the salmon to cook, basting once with the reserved marinade. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. To remove the salmon, slide a spatula between the fish and the skin, and gently lift it off the grill.

Recipe Tip: For easier cleanup, you can place a sheet of aluminum foil under the salmon on the grill.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	271	-
Total Fat	9g	12%
Saturated Fat	1g	7%
Cholesterol	79mg	26%
Sodium	1999mg	87%
Total Carbohydrate	16g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0g	1%
Total Sugars	12g	-
Protein	30g	60%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	40mg	3%
Iron	2mg	11%
Potassium	807mg	17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Grilled Salmon with Maple Syrup and Soy Sauce is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that elevate the rich taste of salmon. Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and fresh ginger, this dish is perfect for a quick yet delicious meal. The marinade infuses the fish with a beautiful balance of sweetness and umami, while grilling adds a smoky finish that makes it irresistible.

History of the Dish

The combination of maple syrup and soy sauce is a product of fusion cooking, blending the culinary traditions of North America and East Asia. Maple syrup, a quintessentially Canadian and northeastern U.S. product, has long been used as a sweetener for various dishes. Meanwhile, soy sauce, originating from China and popularized in Japan, is known for its deep umami flavor. This recipe brings together these two distinct culinary worlds, creating a dish that is both innovative and deeply satisfying. Grilled salmon itself has been a popular preparation method for centuries, particularly in regions with a strong fishing tradition like the Pacific Northwest in the United States and Canada, where salmon is abundant.

Regional Characteristics

This recipe reflects the regional flavors of both North America and East Asia. In North America, maple syrup is a beloved product, especially in Canada, where it is produced in large quantities. In Japan, soy sauce is a staple ingredient, used in various dishes from sushi to stews. The grilling technique used in this recipe is also a common method of preparing fish in coastal regions, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. This combination of flavors and techniques showcases the harmonious blending of these two culinary cultures.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While grilled salmon is a widely popular dish, the addition of maple syrup and soy sauce distinguishes this recipe from others. Many traditional grilled salmon recipes focus on simple seasoning, such as salt, pepper, and lemon, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. This recipe, however, uses a sweet and savory marinade, which adds complexity and depth to the flavor. The soy sauce lends a salty umami undertone, while the maple syrup provides a gentle sweetness, balancing the richness of the salmon.

Where It Is Typically Served

This dish is perfect for casual meals or more formal gatherings. It can be served as part of a barbecue spread, a summer dinner, or even at a holiday gathering. Due to its unique blend of flavors, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad. Grilled salmon with maple syrup and soy sauce is also commonly served in coastal restaurants, particularly those in regions known for their fresh seafood, such as the Pacific Northwest or coastal New England.

Interesting Facts

• Maple syrup is harvested in early spring, during the sugaring off season, when sap from sugar maple trees is collected and boiled down into syrup. A single tree can produce over 40 gallons of sap in one season!
• Salmon is a highly nutritious fish, packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
• The use of soy sauce dates back over 2,000 years in East Asia, originally as a fermented product in China before spreading to Japan and other parts of Asia.
• Grilling is one of the oldest cooking techniques, with evidence of early humans grilling meat over open flames as far back as 1.5 million years ago.

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