Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard Salmon

$- 4 skinless salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish To make honey mustard salmon, you need a few key ingredients. The salmon fillets are the star of the dish. Look for fresh, skinless fillets for the best taste. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Honey brings sweetness and balances the flavors. Olive oil helps the glaze stick and adds richness. You also need garlic for depth. Fresh thyme adds an herbal note. Don't forget salt and pepper to season. Lemon wedges brighten the dish when serving. Fresh parsley is perfect for a pop of color and flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that is sweet, tangy, and savory. With these simple items, you can create a meal that feels special and tastes amazing. Enjoy the process of gathering your ingredients and getting ready to cook! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. 4. Add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the bowl. 5. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. 1. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. 2. Take a brush or the back of a spoon and coat each fillet with the honey mustard mixture. 3. Make sure every fillet is covered well for the best flavor. 1. Bake the salmon in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. 2. Check if the fish flakes easily with a fork. That means it’s done! 3. For a nice crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes. 4. Watch closely to avoid burning the top. 5. Once it’s done, remove the salmon and let it rest for about a minute. 6. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. To ensure perfect salmon texture, start with fresh fillets. Fresh salmon is firm and moist. If the salmon feels mushy, it may not be fresh. Use a thermometer to check doneness. Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This way, it won’t dry out. To avoid overcooking salmon, keep an eye on your timer. Salmon cooks quickly, taking about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. If you broil, watch it closely during the last two minutes. A good rule is to remove it when it flakes easily with a fork. Pair honey mustard salmon with simple sides. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables work great. A side of rice or quinoa can soak up the flavors too. For optional garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. This creates a nice balance with the sweet and tangy glaze. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, let the salmon marinate in the honey mustard mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add other herbs like dill or rosemary to the honey mustard mixture for a different flavor profile. Perfect Pairings: Serve this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the salmon. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in your honey mustard salmon. Here are some ideas: - Adding spices to the honey mustard glaze: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky taste. If you like herbs, mix in some dried oregano or basil. Each spice changes the flavor and keeps things exciting. - Alternative proteins to use: If salmon isn't your thing, consider using chicken or tofu. Chicken breasts work well with the glaze, giving you a tasty alternative. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely, making it a great choice for a plant-based meal. You can make honey mustard salmon fit your diet easily. Here are some options: - Gluten-free options: This recipe is already gluten-free since it uses Dijon mustard without wheat. Always check the labels to ensure your mustard is safe. You can use gluten-free soy sauce for added flavor. - Low-carb modifications: To keep it low-carb, skip any sugary sides. Serve your salmon with a fresh salad or steamed veggies instead. You can also use cauliflower rice as a great substitute for regular rice. It’s light and keeps the meal healthy. To store leftover salmon, place it in an airtight container. You want to keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save the honey mustard glaze, pour it into a small jar. Keep it sealed and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The best way to reheat salmon is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the salmon moist. You can also use the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking, which can dry it out. Keeping the salmon covered during reheating helps keep its texture. This way, you enjoy a delicious meal again without losing flavor. What temperature should salmon be cooked to? Salmon cooks best at 145°F (63°C). This ensures the fish is safe to eat. Use a food thermometer for accuracy. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme? Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme gives a bright flavor. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried. This means for this recipe, use one teaspoon of fresh thyme. Health benefits of honey mustard in recipes Honey mustard adds flavor with fewer calories. Honey has antioxidants that may help fight disease. Mustard seeds are low in calories and high in nutrients. They may support digestion and heart health. Using honey mustard in dishes like this one can make meals tastier without extra fat. Nutritional breakdown of honey mustard salmon Each serving of honey mustard salmon has about 350 calories. It provides around 30 grams of protein. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. The dish also has healthy fats from olive oil. It is a great balance of protein and healthy fats for a nutritious meal. In this blog post, we explored the simple yet delicious honey mustard salmon recipe. We covered essential ingredients like salmon, Dijon mustard, and honey. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions to achieve the perfect texture. We also discussed tips for serving and storage to keep your meal fresh. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations, and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard Salmon

A deliciously sweet and tangy salmon dish coated in a honey mustard glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets skinless salmon
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
wedges lemon, for serving
to garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To save time on cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are positioned skin-side down.
Using a brush or the back of a spoon, generously apply the honey mustard mixture over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fillets are cooked through and easily flake apart with a fork.
For a delightful caramelized crust, switch to broil during the last 2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close watch to prevent them from burning.
When the salmon is finished cooking, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about a minute for the juices to redistribute.
Serve the salmon warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For a burst of freshness, squeeze a wedge of lemon over each fillet just before serving.

Notes

For a delightful caramelized crust, broil during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Keyword easy recipe, honey mustard, salmon