1-Getting started: Getting started with grilled maple salmon is simple and rewarding, and I’ll walk you through each step to make it easy. Begin by mixing up the marinade, which is the heart of this recipe’s flavor. This method works wonders for busy parents or working pros who want a quick, healthy dinner.

2-Combine the marinade: First, combine 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 garlic cloves (pressed or finely chopped), and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Place the salmon fillets in a large zip-lock bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to soak up all that goodness. While that’s marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates using a paper towel held with tongs for even coverage.

3-Grill the salmon: Next, carefully place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Grill based on thickness: about 4 to 5 minutes per side for 1-inch thick fillets, 3 to 4 minutes per side for 3/4-inch thick ones, and 2 to 3 minutes per side for 1/2-inch thick fillets. Flip the salmon gently and keep grilling until it flakes easily with a fork. In the meantime, take the reserved marinade, boil it in a small saucepan over high heat for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly until it thickens into a glaze, then brush it over the salmon before removing from the heat.

4-Alternative cooking method: For an alternative, if you don’t have a grill, marinate the salmon in a baking pan for 45 minutes and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until it flakes. Once done, garnish with 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion and let it rest a bit. This approach keeps things moist and flavorful, perfect for diet-conscious folks or newcomers to cooking.