Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon

Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon celebrates contrast with every bite. Tart cherry brightens smoky chipotle and honey, sealing in flavor as the salmon caramelizes right on the pan. The result is a glossy, sweet-spicy finish over moist, flaky fish that feels both smart and simple.

I am on a chipotle pepper kick these days, I am putting it in just about everything! I have been dreaming up a cherry chipotle glazed salmon recipe since way back last summer when I created the Cherry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce. I knew I wanted to try it on salmon, but I didn’t think barbecue sauce was the way that I wanted to go.

I’m not saying that it would not be delicious with barbecue sauce, I just wanted something a little bit lighter…..and different.

Tart cherry juice and chipotle in adobo bring bold flavor with a few wholesome ingredients – no bottled shortcuts, no extra fuss. This recipe walks you through layering those flavors, using classic broiling for crisp edges and tender, juicy salmon every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This recipe brings sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors together on one plate
• Simple pantry ingredients
• A sauce that’s complex yet comforting, ideal for quick weeknight meals or special celebrations

You’ll Also Love: Guinness Glazed Salmon

Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this mouthwatering glaze.

• Wild-caught salmon: The dish’s foundation, loaded with healthy fats and rich, clean flavor.
• Tart cherry juice concentrate: Brings antioxidants and sharp, vibrant taste.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo: Adds smoky depth and spicy heat.
• Honey and brown sugar: Sweetens, thickens, and balances the spice.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Build savory backbone, giving the glaze backbone without fuss.

Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.

How to make Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon

Cherry Chipotle Glaze:

Place all glaze ingredients in a saucepan, stir and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until glaze reduces, about 15 minutes. Glaze will seem thin until it cools. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Broiled Salmon:

Set oven to BROIL, and cover a baking pan with aluminum foil. Move your oven rack so salmon sits 6 inches below the broiler element (if your oven has settings, use “high” or around 500-550°F).

Brush salmon with olive oil and place skin side up on sheet pan. Place in the oven and cook for 4 minutes.

Remove salmon and flip over. Brush with glaze and return to oven for 4 to 5 additional minutes. Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center. For best results, aim for an internal temp of 125°F (52°C)

Serve salmon drizzled with additional glaze.

Perfection! Light and flaky salmon, with a tangy and slightly spicy glaze.

You’ll Also Love: Miso Ginger Glazed Salmon

Serving Suggestions

• Sautéed Zucchini and Carrots: Easy to prepare using minimal ingredients.
• Roasted Asparagus: The char and snap pairs beautifully with the sweet-spicy glaze.
• Steamed White or Brown Rice: Simple rice soaks up every drop of extra sauce and keeps things light.
• Couscous or Quinoa: Either grain provides a soft, nutty backdrop that lets the salmon’s glaze stand out. Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to echo flavors in the glaze.
• Green Beans Almondine: Sauté green beans with sliced almonds for crunch and a hint of buttery flavor.
• Tossed Garden Salad: Mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and a quick lemon vinaigrette keep things cool and refreshing.

Tips

• No cherry concentrate? Use cherry preserves, cherry jam, or simmered-down cherries with a splash of lemon juice.
• Fresh out of honey? Maple syrup or agave step in easily.
• Missing chipotle? Try smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne with a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
• Out of garlic or onion powder? Use minced fresh, but scale back the amounts and cook gently to mellow sharpness.
• If you can’t find wild-caught, choose the freshest filets available.
• Adobo sauce is sold in small cans labeled “Chipotle Peppers in adobo sauce” and is found in the Ethnic Foods section of the grocery store. 
• If you like really spicy food, add additional chopped up chipotle peppers to the glaze.

Cooking With Astrology – Pieces Meal

I chose to serve my salmon over Sautéed Zucchini and Carrots, because there were already potatoes and corn in the Southwest Crab Chowder. Don’t get me wrong, corn has it’s benefits. It is high in vitamins A, B, and E as well as phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iron, but it is still a high calorie food.

The finishing touch for this meal is a delicious Dark Chocolate Cabernet Fondue for dessert.

What Are The Health Benefits of Chipotle Peppers?

They contain capsaicin, a compound that helps burn calories, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and dilates blood cells to improve circulation. They also help boost the immune system due to their high levels of vitamins A and C. So I suggest that all of my Pisces friends eat Mexican food at least twice a week…..for your health!

We want to keep our Pisces friends healthy by boosting their immunity, but I am sure we could all use a boost!