If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to make, look no further than this Baked Dijon Salmon. The salmon is perfectly tender, with a zesty Dijon mustard glaze that gives it just the right balance of tang and richness. It’s simple, yet feels like a special treat. Plus, it only takes a handful of ingredients, so it’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Baked Dijon Salmon
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a cozy family dinner, or hosting friends, this dish is so versatile. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This is the kind of dish you can pull off on a busy weeknight or make the star of a dinner party. Picture yourself enjoying this for dinner after a hectic day, or watching your friends rave about it at your next get-together.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable—no need for anything fancy! It’s a great option when you want something flavorful but don’t want to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: The prep is straightforward and fast. If you’re the type to shy away from complicated recipes, this one is a game-changer. It’s all about putting the salmon in the oven and letting it work its magic.
Customizable: Want to spice things up? Add some chili flakes or a dash of lemon zest for an extra punch. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the mustard for a smoother result. It’s your dish to adjust however you like.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, this salmon recipe always delivers. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make!
Ingredients in Baked Dijon Salmon
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon fillets are the base of this recipe. They’re flaky, tender, and have that perfect balance of richness, which pairs beautifully with the zesty Dijon glaze.
Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard is the secret sauce that brings all the flavors together. It’s tangy with just a hint of heat, making it the perfect partner for the salmon.
Honey: A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the Dijon and balances out the tanginess.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish that savory depth, making every bite feel comforting.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and ensures the salmon comes out perfectly cooked with a beautiful sheen.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and lifts the flavors, giving the dish a little extra zing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. This glaze will be the key to infusing the salmon with all those tangy, savory flavors.
Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, generously brush the Dijon glaze over the top of the salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The glaze should be golden and slightly caramelized.
Finishing Touches: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the salmon moist and tender.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy! Whether you pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a scoop of rice, this baked Dijon salmon is sure to impress.
How to Serve Baked Dijon Salmon
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal complete:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work wonderfully with the salmon, adding color and nutrients to the plate.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up any extra glaze and add a hearty element to the dish.
Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining glaze on your plate. Garlic bread would be a particularly good choice.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can make the Dijon glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the salmon from drying out.
Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure even baking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute Dijon mustard with regular mustard?
A1: Yes, you can use regular mustard if you don’t have Dijon, but the flavor will be slightly different. Dijon adds a bit more tang and depth.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the glaze in advance, but it’s best to bake the salmon fresh. It cooks so quickly and tastes best when it’s served immediately.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet for the fillets to cook evenly. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Q7: Can I add herbs to the glaze?
A7: Yes! Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme would add a lovely touch to the glaze and bring even more flavor to the dish.
Q8: What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
A8: A light salad or roasted vegetables are perfect complements to the richness of the salmon.
Q9: Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?
A9: Yes, you can substitute with another firm fish like trout or cod. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary.
Q10: Can I cook this recipe on the grill?
A10: Yes! You can grill the salmon instead of baking it. Just make sure to brush the glaze on just before placing the salmon on the grill.
Conclusion
This Baked Dijon Salmon is a total winner. It’s simple, full of flavor, and absolutely perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish will impress. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes too! Enjoy every bite.
Print
Baked Dijon Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Dijon Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, crunchy pecans, and breadcrumbs. Perfect for a healthy dinner that’s both savory and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup very finely chopped pecans
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 (4-ounce) salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets skin side down on the baking sheet (if the fillets have skin).
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, chopped pecans, and parsley.
- Brush each salmon fillet lightly with the honey mustard mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the tops of the salmon fillets with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the fillet flakes easily with a fork. If your fillet is thicker, the baking time may be a few minutes longer.
- Garnish with a wedge of lemon and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the pecans with other nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg