How long it takes: 30 minutes. Equipment you’ll need: A baking sheet (plus parchment paper for easy clean-up!) Servings: 4 Neither my mom or I typically prepare this with a recipe (a little of this, a little of that) but I’ve included all the necessary details for you. This is a very forgiving salmon dinner, so even if you’re not too familiar with cooking fish, it will still come out great on any given weeknight.
About This Baked Salmon Recipe
Easy ingredients. Five, to be exact. That’s all you need to make this delicious and healthy baked salmon smothered in mom’s delectable maple mustard glaze. Diet-friendly. This recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free. If you care about any of those things. It’s also just plain delicious. Approachable. Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of cooking fish, but I promise, with easy salmon dinners like this one, you’ll be cooking with confidence. This maple salmon is quick and super straightforward, with a big flavor payoff! Flavorful. Did I mention flavor? Maple mustard brings together sweetness and a hint of heat, and caramelizes all over a buttery, flaky salmon filet. Every bite tastes better than the last.
Ingredient Notes
Below is a short overview of what you’ll need to make this family-favorite maple mustard salmon. Be sure to scroll to the printable recipe card for the full amounts and recipe details.
Salmon: You can make this recipe using fresh or frozen salmon, whole or cut into filets. If you’re using frozen, remember to thaw them in the fridge beforehand, and pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Mustard: My favorite mustard to use in this glaze is coarse Dijon mustard, also called country-style. Feel free to use any type of mustard you prefer depending on how hot you like it. Maple Syrup: Trust me when I say: you want the real deal. The glaze depends on the flavor, so real maple syrup is a must! Olive Oil and Seasoning: Olive oil helps the glaze adhere to the salmon and also crisps up the outside nice and golden while it bakes. Salt and pepper, plus a pinch of paprika enhances the flavors of the fish.
How to Make Baked Salmon
It’s seriously so easy, you guys! You can have this delicious maple salmon ready to go in the time it takes to preheat your oven (to 400ºF, speaking of). Here’s how to make it: Prep the salmon. First off, I like to give my salmon a quick rinse under cold water to freshen it up a little and rinse off any loose scales. After, pat the filet dry and place it skin side down on a baking sheet. Make the glaze. Next, combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl, and spoon half of the mixture over the salmon. Now, all that’s left to do is to throw your salmon in the oven and bake it! Bake. Bake the salmon at 400ºF for 15 minutes, then take it out and pour over the rest of the glaze. Return the salmon to the oven and let it bake for another 5-10 minutes, until cooked and flaky. Serve right away with your favorite sides! See below for ideas.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
Cooking fish is actually such a quick, seamless process once you’ve given it a try. Keep these final tips in mind for the best baked maple salmon: Check the salmon for bones. Most of the time, small pin bones are removed from salmon filets before they’re sold. However, it’s always a good idea to run your finger along the filet to check for any strays. If needed, use a set of tweezers to pluck them out. If you are baking less salmon, I recommend halving the glaze ingredients and reducing the cook time. For easy clean-up, line the pan with parchment paper. Leave the skin on. It’s easy enough to trim it away from the fish after it’s baked. It also makes prep that much easier and less messy. Don’t overbake. Salmon that’s spent too much time in a hot oven will become dry. Salmon that’s thoroughly cooked will be easy to flake with a fork, with opaque pink coloring.
Recipe Variations
It’s easy to customize this baked salmon to suit your tastes. Try these ideas:
Add a little more maple syrup if you like things sweeter. Add a little more mustard if you want it a little more mustardy. If you like it a little spicy, use hot mustard or try adding a pinch of cayenne to the mix. Make salmon bites instead. It’s a quick and easy stovetop variation that you can make in minutes! Simply sub in this easy maple mustard glaze as the dressing. Add a crust. Really amp up the yum factor and bake your maple mustard salmon filet with a crunchy, buttery topping, like the one in this almond crusted salmon recipe. Try another glaze. You can bake this salmon with another glaze, depending on the flavors you prefer. Make soy glazed salmon, BBQ salmon, or even this lemon salmon with dill. If you haven’t noticed, I love the maple mustard combination. If fish isn’t your thing, try out my slow cooker maple Dijon ham (also only five ingredients!) or this autumn quinoa salad with maple mustard vinaigrette. We also love maple cranberry chicken breasts.
Serving Ideas
We love salmon served with a side of white rice and roasted vegetables, and you can really pair this fish with any sides that you’d like. Whip up a quick stir fry on the stovetop, or serve salmon with roasted broccoli for a satisfying dinner. You can even turn this into a sheet pan dinner and roast vegetables with similar baking times right alongside your salmon (make salmon with baby potatoes and asparagus!)
Storage and Reheating
Salmon is always at its best when served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them promptly. Fridge: Store your salmon covered, airtight in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat salmon in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot throughout. Freezer: To freeze leftover salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place the salmon into an airtight freezer bag. Thaw salmon overnight in the fridge before reheating.
