If you are craving a dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, the Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Succulent salmon fillets baked to perfection atop fragrant lemon slices, then glazed with a luscious honey and Dijon mustard sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and a touch of savory warmth. This recipe is not only quick and effortless but also packed with vibrant flavors that make a simple weeknight dinner feel truly special. Let me walk you through how to bring this delightful dish to your table with ease and confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe plays an essential role in creating a delightful harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the brightness of fresh lemon to the subtle heat of paprika, every component works together beautifully without any fuss.
- 2 lemons (1 sliced and 1 juiced): Adds fresh citrus brightness and creates a flavorful bed for baking the salmon.
- 1 pound salmon fillet: The star of the dish, rich and tender, providing the perfect canvas for the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Sprinkles a warm, smoky depth to the salmon’s surface.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the fish perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brings richness to the honey Dijon glaze and helps it adhere beautifully.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Delivers tang and a silky texture to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the mustard’s tang and the salmon’s savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color to finish the dish.
How to Make Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Lemon Bed
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get that perfect baking temperature. While that’s heating up, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and neatly arrange lemon slices in the center. These lemon slices not only infuse the salmon with citrus aroma while baking but also prevent the fillet from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easier and the presentation prettier.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place your salmon fillet gently on top of the lemon slices. Pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure the paprika, salt, and pepper stick nicely. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of paprika evenly over the surface of the salmon followed by the kosher salt and ground black pepper. These simple seasonings awaken the flavor of the fish and build a subtle spice layer beneath the glaze.
Step 3: Begin Baking the Salmon
Slide the salmon into the oven and bake for 12 minutes. This initial baking gently cooks the salmon, setting the flesh before adding the glaze. It’s important not to overbake here because the glaze will bake further once applied, preventing the salmon from drying out while achieving that glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 4: Whip Up the Honey Dijon Glaze
While the salmon bakes, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, glossy glaze. This mixture is the magic behind the recipe’s name, delivering a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors that cling lovingly to the salmon.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
After the 12-minute bake, remove the salmon from the oven and generously brush the honey Dijon glaze over the top. Return the salmon to the oven for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. This final bake helps the glaze caramelize slightly and the salmon to reach its perfect flaky texture, with an internal temperature of 145 degrees ensuring safety and juiciness.
How to Serve Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top instantly brightens the dish with a burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma. For an extra touch, thin lemon wedges or whole lemon slices on the side invite guests to enhance the citrus notes to their taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, vibrant sides. Think roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa also complement the salmon’s rich glaze perfectly, providing balance and substance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon fillets on a rustic wooden board surrounded by lemon slices and fresh parsley sprigs for a charming presentation. Alternatively, plate over a bed of herbed rice or alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful and inviting meal that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days without sacrificing flavor or texture, making it a perfect candidate for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked salmon, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best flavor and texture, enjoy it within 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to retain moisture, and warm in a preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through but still moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the salmon’s flaky texture and the integrity of the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use salmon fillets with skin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leaving the skin on helps hold the fillet together during baking and adds flavor. Just be sure to place the salmon skin-side down on the lemon slices for even cooking and easy serving.
Is Dijon mustard necessary, or can I substitute it?
Dijon mustard offers a unique balance of sharpness and creaminess that’s key to this glaze’s flavor. If you have to substitute, try whole grain or spicy brown mustard, but expect a slight change in texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
Yes, but you’ll want to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even baking and the best texture for your Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, but dried parsley or other fresh herbs like dill or chives can work as substitutes. Add dried herbs in smaller amounts to avoid overpowering the glaze.
How sweet is the glaze — can I adjust the honey?
The honey provides a gentle sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard and lemon, but feel free to adjust it up or down depending on your preference for a sweeter or more tangy glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe truly has a way of turning humble ingredients into a dazzling meal that feels special yet stays wonderfully simple. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe promises delicious results with a fresh, lively flavor profile you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Honey Dijon Glazed Baked Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Honey Dijon Salmon recipe features a flavorful blend of tangy Dijon mustard, sweet honey, and fresh lemon, perfectly complementing tender baked salmon fillets. Ready in just 28 minutes, it’s an easy and elegant dish that serves four and is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
Honey Dijon Glaze
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the salmon cooks evenly at the right temperature.
- Prepare Salmon: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lay the lemon slices in the center. Place the salmon fillet on top of the lemon slices and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season the salmon evenly with paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- First Bake: Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and bake the salmon for 12 minutes. This initial cooking step allows the fish to start firming up while absorbing lemon flavors.
- Make Glaze: While the salmon is baking, combine fresh lemon juice, melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and chopped parsley in a small bowl, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Remove the salmon from the oven and brush the honey Dijon glaze generously over the top of the fillet to infuse it with tangy sweetness.
- Final Bake: Return the glazed salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part, ensuring it is fully cooked.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure salmon is cooked perfectly to 145°F for safety and optimal texture.
- Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Fresh lemon slices impart a bright flavor and keep the salmon moist during baking.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
