Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with a silky sauce made of butter, honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something both simple and impressive.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon filletsunsalted butterhoneyDijon mustardgarlic (minced)lemon juicefresh parsley (optional for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Place the salmon fillets in the dish, skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Spoon the sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a lightly caramelized top.

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap Dijon for whole grain mustard for added texture.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Use salmon steaks instead of fillets if preferred.

Top with sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven or microwave in 30-second bursts to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all individual ingredients (especially mustard) are gluten-free.

Can I grill this salmon instead?

Absolutely—just wrap in foil and grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

What side dishes go well with this?

Steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes pair beautifully.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, it’s a great idea if you like extra for drizzling over sides.

How do I know when salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What’s the best mustard to use?

Dijon is recommended for its smoothness and tang, but yellow or spicy brown can work too.

Can I add herbs to the sauce?

Yes, fresh dill or thyme are excellent additions.

Do I need to remove the skin?

No, the skin helps hold the fillet together while baking and peels off easily after cooking.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, but bake the salmon fresh for best results.

Conclusion

Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce is a quick, luxurious meal that brings gourmet flavor with minimal effort. The sweet-tangy sauce elevates the natural richness of the salmon, making this a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions. Try it once, and it’ll likely become a staple in your dinner rotation.