Baked Dijon Salmon is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of fresh salmon and the tangy zest of Dijon mustard, creating a culinary experience that is both simple and sophisticated. As someone who has always appreciated the art of cooking, I find that this recipe not only showcases the natural beauty of salmon but also pays homage to the classic French cuisine that has influenced many kitchens around the world. The combination of the flaky texture of the fish with the bold, savory notes of Dijon makes this dish a favorite among family and friends.
People love Baked Dijon Salmon for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. It’s a dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. The vibrant flavors meld together beautifully, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Join me as we dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Baked Dijon Salmon that will surely become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparing the Marinade
Before we dive into cooking, let’s prepare the marinade that will give our salmon that delicious flavor. It’s super easy and takes just a few minutes!
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the dried thyme and rosemary to the bowl. Stir again to incorporate the herbs into the marinade.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
Marinating the Salmon
Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to coat the salmon fillets.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the skin side is down if your fillets have skin.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it and gently massage the marinade into the fish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
Preparing to Bake
While the salmon is marinating, let’s get everything ready for baking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking salmon, allowing it to cook through while keeping it moist and flaky.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Baking the Salmon
Now comes the exciting part—baking the salmon!
- Once the salmon has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top of the salmon fillets. This will add even more flavor as they bake.
- Using a spoon or a brush, spread the marinade evenly over the fillets to ensure they are well coated.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If you like a slightly caramelized top, you can broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Serving the Baked Dijon Salmon
Once the salmon is perfectly baked, it’s time to serve it up!
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the fish even more tender.
- Using a spatula, carefully transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before eating elevates the flavors beautifully!
Pairing Suggestions
This Baked Dijon Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
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- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the dried thyme and rosemary to the bowl. Stir to incorporate the herbs into the marinade.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper to taste, starting with about ½ teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, skin side down if applicable.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated. If using a bag, seal it and gently massage the marinade into the fish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Once marinated, remove the salmon from the refrigerator and place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Spread the marinade evenly over the fillets using a spoon or brush.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For a caramelized top, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes.
- Carefully transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates using a spatula.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
- For best results, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is ideal.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, this Baked Dijon Salmon recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with minimal effort. The combination of tangy Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and perfectly baked salmon creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family or guests while keeping things simple and healthy. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this flavorful salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or a light quinoa salad to complement the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different herbs or add a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. You could even swap out the salmon for another fish like trout or cod, or try using a different mustard variety for a unique twist. I truly encourage you to give this Baked Dijon Salmon a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! Happy cooking! PrintBaked Dijon Salmon: A Simple and Delicious Recipe for Healthy Eating
Description
Baked Dijon Salmon is a healthy and flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets coated in a tangy marinade of Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs. Baked to flaky perfection, this easy weeknight meal is both impressive and delicious, making it a great choice for any occasion. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
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