Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

This honey mustard baked salmon transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The natural sweetness of honey balances perfectly with tangy Dijon, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

I first developed this recipe when trying to convince my seafood-skeptical nephew to try salmon. The familiar honey mustard flavor won him over completely, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: about 6 oz each. Look for bright, firm fillets with no strong fishy smell
• Honey: pure local honey adds the best flavor
• Dijon mustard: provides tanginess and helps the glaze adhere
• Olive oil: helps prevent sticking and adds richness
• Lemon juice: brightens all the flavors
• Garlic powder: adds depth without overpowering
• Paprika: adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish: optional but adds a professional touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F while you prepare everything else. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Mix Glaze:

In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. The mixture should have a thick but pourable consistency.

Prepare Salmon:

Place salmon fillets skin side down on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Pat the tops dry with paper towels if needed.

Apply Glaze:

Use a pastry brush to coat each fillet generously with the honey mustard mixture. Make sure to cover the entire top and sides of each piece for maximum flavor.

Bake:

Place the salmon in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist in the center.

Optional Broil:

For an extra caramelized top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Save This

The moment I knew this recipe was special was watching my father in law who claimed to hate fish go back for seconds. The honey mustard coating creates such a familiar and comforting flavor profile that it makes salmon approachable for even picky eaters.

Choosing Quality Salmon

Wild caught salmon typically offers better flavor and nutritional value than farmed varieties, though good quality farmed salmon can work beautifully too. Look for fillets with bright color, firm texture, and no strong fishy odor. The skin should be intact as it helps hold the fish together during cooking. If possible, ask your fishmonger for center cut pieces of equal thickness to ensure even cooking.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. You can mix the honey mustard glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even coat the salmon with the glaze up to 8 hours before cooking just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining when you want to prepare as much as possible before guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions

This honey mustard salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli that you can cook on the same sheet pan during the last 10 minutes of baking. Steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread make excellent accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Common Queries

→ What type of salmon works best?

Fresh, center-cut fillets provide the best texture and even cooking. Both wild-caught and farm-raised are suitable.

→ Can I use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes, whole grain mustard can be used for an added texture and a slightly stronger flavor profile.

→ How do I know when salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the flesh will turn opaque. Avoid overcooking for best tenderness.

→ Is broiling necessary at the end?

Broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end adds a caramelized top but is optional if you prefer a softer glaze.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Light salads, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple rice pilaf complement the flavors nicely.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the honey mustard glaze up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.