Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or give it a light coat of grease.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish, then season them with salt and black pepper to your preference.
In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, and paprika until well combined.
Generously spoon the honey mustard mixture over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well-coated.
Bake the salmon uncovered for about 12–15 minutes. It’s cooked perfectly when it flakes easily with a fork.
Before serving, drizzle some of the pan sauce over the salmon and garnish with fresh herbs. For an extra touch of caramelization, broil the salmon during the last 2–3 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly darkened.

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving Honey Mustard Baked Salmon, creativity offers numerous possibilities. You can plate the salmon on a bed of quinoa or wild rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. If you’re entertaining, try serving it alongside an herbed potato salad or with fresh crusty bread for dipping into any remaining sauce!

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure your leftover Honey Mustard Baked Salmon stays delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, wrap the salmon tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or frozen both work well, but fresh is preferable.
If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the broiling step, although it does add a lovely caramelized finish.
Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the honey or mustard to your liking.

Recipe variations

Feel free to get creative! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or substitute maple syrup for the honey for a different sweetness. You could also replace the Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a rustic twist. Adding a splash of lemon juice in the honey mixture brightens the overall flavor, making it even more refreshing.