Save to Pinterest This dish features tender salmon fillets baked to juicy perfection and coated with a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze. Combining Dijon and whole grain mustard with honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic creates a flavorful sauce that enhances the natural richness of the fish. The salmon is baked quickly to retain its moisture and delicate texture, then garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Ideal for a simple, wholesome meal with minimal preparation.
The smell of honey and mustard caramelizing in the oven always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I am doing in the other room. I discovered this combination on a Tuesday night when I had salmon defrosted but zero energy for anything complicated. Now it is the dinner I make when I want something that feels special but takes almost no effort.
Last summer my sister visited and I made this for her. She is not someone who cooks much, but she wrote down the recipe on her phone right there at the table. That is when I knew this was not just a weeknight dinner anymore, it was the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets: Choose pieces that are roughly the same thickness so they finish cooking at the same time
- Dijon mustard: This gives the sauce its sharp tangy backbone that balances the honey
- Whole grain mustard: The seeds add texture and a milder mustard flavor that rounds everything out
- Honey: Use a mild honey so it does not overpower the delicate salmon flavor
- Olive oil: Helps the sauce spread evenly and adds richness
- Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the sweetness and brightens the whole dish
- Garlic clove: One clove is plenty since it will be roasted and mellowed
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors without competing with them
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the final plate look intentional
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze right before serving wakes everything up
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Heat it to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk both mustards, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until completely smooth
- Position the salmon:
- Place fillets skin side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece
- Coat the fish:
- Spoon the honey mustard mixture over each fillet and spread it to cover the top completely
- Bake until done:
- Slide the sheet into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the salmon flakes when pressed gently with a fork
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add lemon wedges to the plates before bringing everything to the table
Save to Pinterest My friend Sarah served this at her birthday dinner last spring. She is nervous about cooking fish, but this recipe gave her confidence. Seeing people lean over their plates, savoring each bite, that is what cooking is really about.
Choosing the Right Salmon
I have learned that wild salmon cooks faster than farmed because it is leaner. If you are using wild fillets, check them a couple minutes early. Farmed salmon has more fat, which stays moist even if cooked a little longer. Both work beautifully here.
Making It Ahead
The sauce can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using so it spreads easily. I have also marinated the salmon in the sauce for 15 minutes before baking, which intensifies the flavor even more.
What to Serve Alongside
Roasted asparagus or broccoli florets cook at the same temperature and can go in the oven on a separate rack. Rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Sometimes I serve it over smashed roasted baby potatoes with rosemary
- Sautéed green beans with garlic make a fresh crisp contrast
- Keep a bottle of white wine chilled, something bright like Sauvignon Blanc
Save to Pinterest This recipe has saved me on so many busy weeknights. It is proof that dinner can be simple without sacrificing anything at all.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of mustard is used in the glaze?
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A combination of Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard is used to achieve a balanced tangy and textured glaze.
- → Can I prepare the salmon in advance?
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Yes, marinating the salmon in the honey mustard glaze for 15 minutes before baking enhances the flavor.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
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Bake the salmon at 200°C (400°F) for 15 to 18 minutes until it flakes easily and is cooked through.
- → Are there suggested side dishes to accompany this meal?
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This pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
- → Is it possible to substitute honey with another sweetener?
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Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey to create a different sweetness profile.
