If there’s one way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort, this Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is it! The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates the perfect glaze—caramelized, slightly sticky, and totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry already!
- Super Healthy: Packed with Omega-3s and protein, salmon is a fantastic choice for a nutritious meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this sweet and savory combo.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed), about 6 ounces each.
- Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup for the best flavor—skip the artificial stuff!
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bold, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the maple.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Deepens the umami and balances the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of freshness to brighten up the whole dish.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds a lovely finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Salmon: Brush the maple-Dijon glaze generously over each fillet.
- Bake: Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for a Caramelized Finish: If you like a bit of extra caramelization, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the salmon should be 125-130°F for medium and 140°F for well-done.
- Line Your Baking Sheet: The maple glaze can get sticky as it caramelizes—parchment paper helps with an easy cleanup.
- Let It Rest: Give the salmon 2-3 minutes to rest before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Different Proteins: Try this glaze on chicken, tofu, or even roasted veggies!
- Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before baking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat salmon? To keep it moist, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or gently in a pan over low heat.
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- For extra caramelization, broil for the final 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
This maple Dijon salmon is proof that simple ingredients can create seriously bold flavors. If you give this recipe a try, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid. I’d love to see your delicious creations!