This Buttered Honey Mustard Oven Salmon is a delightful dish that combines sweet honey with tangy mustard. The salmon is baked to perfection with a buttery topping that makes it super tasty!
I love how simple this recipe is—just mix the sauce, slather it on the salmon, and let the oven do the magic! It’s a quick dinner that feels extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon works best for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh salmon, frozen fillets are a good option too; just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter here so that I can control the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute!
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a nice tang. For a milder taste, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard, depending on your flavor preference.
Honey: For a different sweetness, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both can give a lovely flavor while keeping it sweet!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added sweeteners.
How Do I Get My Salmon to Flake Perfectly?
Achieving perfectly flaky salmon is easier than you think! Here are some tips:
- Cook at the right temperature: Oven-baking at 400°F allows the salmon to cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give each fillet a bit of personal space in the pan to avoid steaming.
- Check doneness: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let it rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it retain moisture!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully cooked salmon every time!
Buttered Honey Mustard Oven Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salmon dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, and you’ll need another 12-15 minutes for baking. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for baking the salmon perfectly! Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This delicious sauce will give your salmon a fantastic flavor!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in your prepared baking dish, skin side down if they have skin. This helps keep the fillets moist while they bake.
4. Coat With the Sauce:
Spoon the honey mustard butter mixture generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring they’re completely coated. The more sauce, the better the flavor!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for around 12-15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your salmon pieces are especially thick, they might need a minute or two longer.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the salmon is out of the oven, spoon any remaining buttery sauce from the baking dish over the top for extra flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice touch, and if you like, add some lemon slices as a garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy the lovely mix of sweet and tangy flavors in this moist and delicious salmon dish!
This recipe results in a savory, moist salmon with a glossy honey mustard butter glaze, perfect for an easy oven-baked main dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before baking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute it with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or try whole grain mustard for added texture and flavor variation. Both alternatives will work well in this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Should I Serve with Buttered Honey Mustard Oven Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over a fresh salad for a lighter option, or with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal!
