Looking for a unique and flavorful way to prepare salmon? This Cherry Glazed Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, transforming simple salmon fillets into a gourmet meal.

This recipe is sponsored by Northwest Cherries.

The vibrant cherry glaze, made from scratch with fresh cherries, adds a beautiful color and irresistible taste that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this easy yet elegant dish!

Before we glaze our salmon, you’ll want to make our Homemade Cherry Jam recipe! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Related: How to Freeze Cherries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet and tangy cherry glaze compliments the rich flavor of the salmon perfectly.
• Homemade Touch: The homemade cherry jam elevates this dish to a gourmet level.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant glaze creates a visually stunning meal.
• Relatively Easy: While it has a few steps, this recipe is straightforward and achievable for home cooks of all levels.

This Cherry Glazed Salmon pairs wonderfully with:

• Quinoa or rice
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• A fresh green salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the jam?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly for the jam. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the pot with the sugar and lemon juice. The cooking time might be slightly longer as they release their liquid.

I don’t have time to make homemade jam. Can I use store-bought cherry jam for the glaze?

Yes, you can! While the homemade jam is truly special, you can definitely use ¾ cup of good quality store-bought cherry jam to make the glaze. Just proceed directly to the “Make Glaze” step.

What type of salmon fillets should I use?

Wild-caught salmon (like Sockeye or Coho) often has a richer flavor and firmer texture, while Atlantic salmon (often farmed) tends to be milder and fattier. Both work well with this glaze. Aim for fillets that are roughly equal in thickness for even cooking.  

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

Salmon is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

Can I bake or pan-fry the salmon instead of grilling?

Yes!

• To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place glazed salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on thickness, or until cooked through.  
• To Pan-Fry: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear glazed salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven for the remaining time, until cooked through.

Can I make the cherry jam and glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The homemade cherry jam can be made days or even weeks in advance and stored in sealed jars in the refrigerator. The glaze can also be prepared a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge; simply gently reheat it before drizzling over the cooked salmon.  

Ingredients Needed for Cherry Glazed Salmon

• 3/4 cup Cherry Jam
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 salmon filets 
• salt and pepper

How to Make Cherry Glazed Grilled Salmon

Make the Glaze: First, in a small skillet, combine the jam, soy sauce, maple syrup and garlic. Then, cook on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes.

Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the flesh side of the salmon.

Glaze: Next, brush glaze on top (keep some reserved for the garnish once cooked). Then, place glazed-side-down on a hot grill. Season the skin side with salt and pepper and brush glaze on top.

Grill: Finally, close the grill lid. Grill for 5 minutes. Then, flip, and grill 4-5 more minutes, until cooked through.

Serve: Remove to platter. Drizzle with reserved glaze.

Why We Love & Trust Northwest Cherries

Founded in 1947, the Northwest Cherry Growers is a growers’ organization used to increase awareness and consumption. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development and research of cherries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana orchards.

Their passion and commitment to their cherry growers allows them to collectively spread awareness of seasonality, health benefits, and the importance of consumption. They truly believe that cherries are more than a treat. They boast an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals making them a true superfruit. To learn more, visit nwcherries.com.

More Great Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Limeade
• Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Filling
• Cherry Danish
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Cherry & Lime Slushie
• Cherry Yogurt Bark