Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
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Honey mustard glazed salmon is just as beautiful as it is tasty. The salmon turns out perfectly tender and flaky, while the glaze brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor to every bite. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, date night worthy dish to enjoy – all you need to do is mix the sauce, brush it over the salmon, and pop it in the oven.
I love recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor, and this one is always a hit in my house. It is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but feels fancy enough for special occasions. I have served it for casual family dinners, summer cookouts, and even holiday gatherings, and it never disappoints. Whether I am cooking for just my family or hosting a full table, this dish always brings big flavor with minimal effort!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No special ingredients needed: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen, so you can whip it up anytime.
- Quick and effortless: With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, this recipe makes dinnertime simple without sacrificing the taste.
- Easily customizable: Whether you like it sweeter, tangier, or with a bit more spice, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Bold, irresistible glaze: A mix of honey or sugar-free alternative, mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil creates a rich, tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Easy cleanup: One bowl for the glaze and one pan for the salmon means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
How to Make Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Honey mustard glazed salmon is one of those dishes that looks fancy but could not be easier to make. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors enhances the natural richness of the salmon, creating a perfectly balanced bite. In 3 simple steps, you will have a delicious, oven-baked meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Want to try it for yourself? Scroll down for the printable recipe card with all the details, including ingredients, exact measurements, and step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients You Need
- Salmon: Fresh wild salmon fillets give the best texture and taste, but frozen works too. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best results. Love salmon? You will enjoy these spinach salmon burgers, too!
- Thyme: A little thyme on top adds a fresh, earthy note while making the dish look extra appetizing.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the salmon.
What goes into the honey mustard sauce?
- Dijon mustard: This gives the sauce its signature boldness while balancing out the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the salmon’s flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings all the ingredients together while giving the salmon a crisp, golden glaze.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal but pre-minced can be used if that’s what you have.
- Smoked paprika: Adds just the right amount of smokiness and spice to round out the sauce.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Excited to try honey mustard glazed salmon? Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed dish in no time.
Step 1: Make the glaze
Set your oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika, stirring until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Prep the salmon
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Generously coat the top of each fillet with the honey mustard glaze using a spoon or brush. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top for extra flavor.
Step 3: Bake
Place the salmon in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Substitutions
No need to stress if you are out of an ingredient or want to add your own twist! Here are some simple swaps to keep the flavors just as tasty:
- Citrus swap: Swap lemon with lime or orange wedges for a fresh, citrusy touch.
- Mustard alternative: Whole-grain mustard works just as well if that is what you have on hand.
- Sweetener options: Maple syrup or simple syrup can also be used for a slightly different sweetness. Likewise, a keto or sugar-free maple syrup or simple syrup could be used instead.
- Spice substitutes: If you do not have smoked paprika, try ground cumin, chipotle powder, or Italian seasoning for a new flavor twist.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to make honey mustard glazed salmon even more exciting. If you are in the mood to try something different, here are some creative ways to switch it up:
- Stir a little cayenne or red pepper flakes into the honey mustard sauce to add a subtle heat that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
- Blend honey with soy sauce or soy-free soy sauce for a sweet and savory spin that gives the salmon a delicious Asian-inspired flavor. It is always a favorite in my house!
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pecans over the salmon after baking. It adds a rich, nutty texture that makes every bite more satisfying.
- Add in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil with the glaze to brighten up the dish with a hint of freshness.
- Melt butter with garlic and herbs, then drizzle it over the cooked salmon for a boost of flavor and richness.
Expert Tips
- Go for quality salmon to bring out the best flavor. Fresh, wild-caught salmon has a firmer texture and a richer taste compared to farm-raised options.
- Watch the cooking time to keep the salmon tender and juicy. Since it cooks quickly, take it out while the center is still slightly rare, as the residual heat will finish cooking it. It should flake easily with a fork but still look moist.
- Customize the sauce to suit your taste by adding extra honey for more sweetness or increasing the mustard for a sharper, tangier kick.
- Try grilling for a smoky touch. Wrap the salmon in a lightly-oiled foil packet and grill at 400 F for about 12 minutes. Then, open the foil and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
How to Store This Recipe
Keep leftover salmon fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before sealing helps maintain its texture. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 weeks.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, warm it in the oven at 350 F until heated through. I also love using leftovers in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for an easy next-day meal!
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Keep it simple by enjoying honey mustard glazed salmon with your favorite sides, like cauliflower rice or a fresh salad. For something heartier, try it with mashed cauliflower potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes. Planning a special meal? Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, couscous, or a rich risotto to make it feel extra special.
More Dinner Recipes To Try
Must-Try Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet
- ½ tablespoon thyme
- lemon wedges 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
- Set your oven to 400 °F. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika, stirring until smooth and well blended.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Generously coat the top of each fillet with the honey mustard glaze using a spoon or brush. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top for extra flavor.
- Place the salmon in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Go for quality salmon to bring out the best flavor. Fresh, wild-caught salmon has a firmer texture and a richer taste compared to farm-raised options.
- Watch the cooking time to keep the salmon tender and juicy. Since it cooks quickly, take it out while the center is still slightly rare, as the residual heat will finish cooking it.
- Customize the sauce to suit your taste by adding extra honey for more sweetness or increasing the mustard for a sharper, tangier kick.
- Try grilling for a smoky touch. Wrap the salmon in a lightly-oiled foil packet and grill at 400 F for about 12 minutes. Then, open the foil and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
