This Baked Honey Dijon Salmon is a delightful weeknight meal that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are coated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze and baked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying and easy dinner.
The salmon emerges from the oven with a glistening, caramelized glaze ready to be devoured.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and savory, with a touch of mustard spice.
- Textures: Tender, flaky salmon with a slightly caramelized exterior.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a few simple components, the star being fresh salmon fillets. The honey Dijon glaze provides a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. You’ll also need some basic pantry staples.
Ingredient Notes
- Salmon – Look for salmon fillets that are a vibrant color and have a fresh, clean scent. You can use fillets with or without the skin, depending on your preference.
- Honey – Use good-quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey is always a great choice.
- Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard adds a classic tang and depth of flavor to the glaze.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil will add a nice flavor to the dish.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like fresh parsley or fresh dill over the salmon after baking for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Lemon zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest can be added to the glaze for extra flavor.
How to Make Baked Honey Dijon Salmon
Making Baked Honey Dijon Salmon is so easy, it will become a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation!
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent the salmon from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Next, brush the honey Dijon glaze evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Don’t be shy coat the salmon generously!
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets, and the amount of time can be reduced if the salmon is cooked to your preference.
Pro Tip: For perfectly cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- For the best results, use fresh salmon fillets.
- Don’t overbake the salmon. It’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.
- If you’re unsure if the salmon is done, use a fork to gently flake it. When it flakes easily, it’s cooked through.
- If your salmon fillets are different sizes, it helps to place the thinner pieces on the baking sheet about 2–3 minutes later than the thicker fillets.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the salmon completely before baking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- How do I know when the salmon is cooked? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! You can whisk the honey Dijon glaze together a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Can I use this recipe on other types of fish? Yes, this glaze would work well with other types of fish, such as cod, halibut, or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
Serving Suggestions
- Grains: Serve your Baked Honey Dijon Salmon with a side of fluffy quinoa, rice, or couscous.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple side salad are delicious complements.
- Salads: A fresh green salad or a vibrant coleslaw make for great side dishes.
- Sauce: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or even a drizzle of extra honey Dijon glaze.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can make the honey Dijon glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon is best cooked and served immediately.
Baked Honey Dijon Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Salmon is a delightful weeknight meal that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are coated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze and baked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying and easy dinner.
Ingredients
1.25 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
1 large lemon, sliced into thin rounds
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnishing
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F and cover a baking sheet with foil. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the foil. Arrange lemon slices around the salmon.
Melt butter and mix in honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour about two-thirds of the mixture over the salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Seal the foil packet, and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the top foil, set the oven to broil. Spoon the remaining butter mixture over the salmon. Broil for 5-10 minutes, until golden. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
For the best results, use fresh salmon fillets.
Don’t overbake the salmon. It’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.
If you’re unsure if the salmon is done, use a fork to gently flake it. When it flakes easily, it’s cooked through.
If your salmon fillets are different sizes, it helps to place the thinner pieces on the baking sheet about 2–3 minutes later than the thicker fillets.
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
