Baked Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
If you’re craving a salmon dinner that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, this baked honey mustard salmon recipe is exactly what you need. It hits the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky, thanks to that luscious honey mustard glaze that seeps into every flaky bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe delivers every time.
I love how quick it is to prepare—just whisk together a few ingredients to create a sauce that turns ordinary salmon into something truly special. Plus, baking keeps the fish moist and tender without much fuss. Once you try this baked honey mustard salmon recipe, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to dinner ideas too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here complements the others to create that irresistible glaze and perfectly seasoned salmon. When shopping, fresh salmon fillets and good quality Dijon mustard really make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Salmon fillet: Opt for fresh, wild-caught if possible—thickness of the fillet matters for even baking.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon’s richness.
- Lemon wedges: A simple garnish that brings brightness and helps cut through the glaze’s sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: The tangy backbone of the sauce; don’t substitute with mild mustard or you’ll miss that kick.
- Honey: Brings just the right amount of sweetness to balance the mustard and paprika.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps meld the flavors together and keeps the salmon moist as it bakes.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for warm, savory depth in the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the honey mustard glaze from ordinary to standout.
Variations
One of the best things about this baked honey mustard salmon recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the herbs or spice level depending on mood or what’s in my pantry—you should feel free to do the same!
- Add fresh dill: I once topped the salmon with a sprinkle of fresh dill after baking, which added such a lovely, fresh flavor.
- Swap smoked paprika for cayenne: For a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne works wonders.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey: I tried this during a maple season and it gave a deeper sweetness that paired surprisingly well.
- Try mustard seeds: Adding whole mustard seeds to the sauce gives the glaze a fun texture if you like a bit of crunch.
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Sauce
Start by patting your salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick nicely rather than sliding off. Meanwhile, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in a bowl until the glaze looks smooth and shining. It’s a quick step, but getting the sauce right is key for that perfect balance of tangy-sweet flavor.
Step 2: Coat and Season the Salmon
Place the salmon skin-side down on a lined baking sheet or dish. Brush the honey mustard glaze generously all over the top, making sure every part gets coated. Sprinkle the thyme evenly to infuse that delicate herb flavor as it bakes. Don’t be shy here—you want flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky
Pop the salmon in your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh easily flakes apart with a fork but still looks moist. Resist the urge to overbake; salmon continues cooking after you take it out. This keeps it tender and juicy—my favorite part about baked honey mustard salmon recipe!
How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with fresh lemon wedges squeezed just before eating to brighten the whole dish. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These simple touches elevate the flavors without overpowering them—something I recommend you try.
Side Dishes
This salmon shines alongside roasted asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or a simple quinoa salad. My go-to is creamy mashed potatoes or a light couscous salad to soak up all that honey mustard glaze. If you want to keep it veggie-forward, steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad work perfectly too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this salmon over a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted almonds and cranberries to add texture and color. Drizzling extra warmed honey mustard sauce over the top right before serving makes it shine visually and flavor-wise. Presentation really sets a warm, inviting vibe—so don’t be shy about getting creative with plating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover baked honey mustard salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days. I always make sure to separate the salmon from any sides to keep flavors fresh and textures intact.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover salmon a couple of times by wrapping it tightly in foil and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. While fresh is always best, freezing works if you want to prep in advance. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer gently warming the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain its moisture without drying out the glaze. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make salmon rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use salmon fillets with skin on or skin off?
Absolutely! I typically leave the skin on as it helps keep the fillet together during baking and adds flavor. The skin crisps up nicely but can be peeled off easily if you prefer not to eat it.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this baked honey mustard salmon recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard (most should be, but it’s always good to double-check labels).
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Coat the salmon right before baking to ensure it doesn’t get soggy.
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What temperature should I bake the salmon at?
Baking the salmon at 400°F (200°C) gives a nice balance of crispy edges and tender interior, usually done in 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
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Can I use other types of mustard?
Dijon mustard is ideal here for its sharp, tangy flavor that balances the honey’s sweetness. You can experiment with other mustards, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change.
Final Thoughts
This baked honey mustard salmon recipe has become a personal favorite for its ease and incredible flavor every time I make it. There’s something so comforting about that sweet and tangy glaze paired with perfectly flaky salmon. If you’re looking for a no-fail way to enjoy salmon that’s full of personality but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this recipe’s got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Give it a shot—you won’t regret it!
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Baked Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Honey Mustard Salmon recipe features tender and flaky salmon fillets coated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce made with Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Perfectly baked to lock in moisture and garnished with fresh thyme and lemon wedges, this dish is a quick and healthy dinner option that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 pounds salmon fillet
- ½ tablespoon thyme
- lemon wedges, for garnish
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even and thorough bake for the salmon.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a lined baking sheet, then sprinkle the thyme evenly over the top of the fillet to add an herbal aroma and flavor.
- Coat the Salmon: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the salmon with the prepared honey mustard sauce, making sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- You can substitute thyme with dill or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- If you prefer a caramelized top, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Baked salmon, honey mustard salmon, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, baked fish, gluten free salmon, low fat dinner
