Baked Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze
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Maple mustard baked salmon is a healthy weeknight meal with only 5 ingredients! This is hands-down the best baked salmon recipe, with juicy salmon coated in a sweet and spicy maple mustard glaze.
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This flavorful and easy baked salmon recipe needs only 5 ingredients and bakes up quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights!
How long it takes: 30 minutes.
Equipment you’ll need: A baking sheet (plus parchment paper for easy clean-up!)
Servings: 4
Easy Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon
This sweet and spicy baked salmon with maple mustard glaze is my mom’s signature way to prep salmon. It’s the best baked salmon recipe and always tastes amazing! Ben loves my orange glazed salmon and this slow roasted salmon, but there’s always a place in my heart and at my table for this version. It’s so, so, so tasty.
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.
Why You’ll Love 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.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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 Bake Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze
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.
How to Tell When Salmon Is Done
The easiest way to check is with an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the filet. The recommended internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F. The inside of the salmon will look opaque and flake easily when it’s done.
Tips for Perfectly Baked 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.
- 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.
Baked Salmon FAQs
Salmon typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 400ºF, or 15-20 minutes at 425ºF, depending on the size of your filet.
Yes, this recipe will work with fresh or frozen salmon filets. Make sure to defrost frozen salmon completely, and pat it dry before you start.
Make This Salmon Recipe Your Own
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.
What To Serve with Maple Mustard Salmon
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!)
How to Store and Reheat
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 3-4 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.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon, rinsed and patted dry with paper towels
- 2 tablespoons coarse (country style) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. If desired, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Place salmon on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, paprika, and pepper. Spoon about half of this mixture over the salmon in an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon on the rest of the maple mustard mixture.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 145ºF and fish flakes easily with a fork. (An internal temperature of 145ºF is my personal preference for salmon, but feel free to cook it to whatever temperature you like!). Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- This maple mustard glaze will be enough for up to 3 pounds of meat. If you are only making a pound of salmon, I’d recommend halving all the glaze ingredients.
- I baked my salmon on parchment paper and then transferred to the pan for the photographs.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Sheri says
Can you bake this in the toaster oven? I reduced it to one serving as my adult son does not like any fish except Van De Kamps Fish Fillets.
Sound like a very yummy recipe! Many thanks
Rachel Gurk says
Yes, that should work fine!
Susan says
Do you think I could use these ingredients but cook following the slow cook method as instructed in the SLOW ROASTED SALMON WITH LEMON PEPPER recipe?
Rachel Gurk says
I haven’t tried that, but I think it would work really well! Let me know how it turns out!
Rhonda Keelin says
Rhonda here, I was wondering if you might have a recipe for cod, I just love cod. I had found a sauce using dijon mustard, ketchup soy sauce and somethings else, lost the recipe lol. Not so sure it would taste good on fish but it was excellent on chicken N pork. Thank you for your time and do have a good night. Sincerely, Rhonda Keelin
Rachel Gurk says
Hi Rhonda! We have this cod recipe. I hope you love it!
Jo Morris says
We made this last night. It was fabulous – my new favorite salmon recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
It’s my favorite, too! I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, truly means a lot!
Debra says
My husband now asks for this at least once a week. So easy to prepare and absolutely delicious! Usually we have this with a side salad, and are always totally satisfied at then of our meal. Love not having much to clean up because of the parchment paper!!
Rachel Gurk says
I love that! We have this almost once a week too! It’s so easy and delicious. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Mary Nethercutt says
How do I share this recipe on my face book page I want to post it?
Rachel Gurk says
There are sharing buttons either on the side of your screen (on a desktop computer) or at the top of your screen (on a phone or tablet). You should see the Facebook icon there – just click that to share!
Megan says
Hi! This looks so yummy! I’m going to try making it tomorrow. Would you recommend marinating it in the sauce first?
Thanks!
Rachel Gurk says
I find the sauce gives it plenty of flavor without having to marinate it. I hope you love it!
Sara says
This is one of my go-to weeknight recipes. It’s just so easy, delicious, and I always have the ingredients for the mixture on hand.
I love to serve it with mashed potatoes or roast potato wedges and steamed broccoli. If I don’t feel like steaming I throw some brussell sprouts in the tray with the fish. Minimises cleanup :).
Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear it! I love doing sheet pan meals too, it makes clean up so easy!
Katie says
Hello! I look forward to trying this recipe. What sides do you typically pair with it? Thanks!
Rachel Gurk says
I like to put asparagus right on the same sheet pan (in about the last ten minutes of the cooking time). It also goes well with rice. If you have an Instant Pot, try my Instant Pot brown rice!
abby says
AMAZING! I had cut a piece of salmon good enough for 2 people. I had made some home made maple syrup and upped the ingredients a bit! Lovely …DH just raved and raved! I will do this one again!!! Kudos in a great recipe!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Kelsie says
This was amazing—I think some of the best salmon I’ve ever made. I made it for Easter dinner and my mom said, “I would order this at a restaurant and actually go back for it.” That is the highest praise my extremely picky mother gives food!
Rachel Gurk says
Wow, that’s amazing! So glad you all liked it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Sandi Presley says
This is one of the best baked salmon recipes I’ve ever tried! I had a pound of salmon so halves the sauce, but I ended up mixing up the other half as there wasn’t enough to put on twice. So I’d suggest doubling it bcuz the sauce is so yummy :)
Rachel Gurk says
Wow, thank you so much! It’s my favorite, too. Definitely can’t argue with your suggestion regarding the sauce!
Nancy says
I would like to make this. What type of salmon do you use? Where do you normally get it?
Like you I’m scared of cooking salmon.
Thanks for your help.
Nancy
Rachel Gurk says
I typically get whatever is freshest. I know things are different right now, but if you ask the butcher, they’ll usually make a great recommendation.
Michelle says
this recipe is sooo yummy and unbelievably simple! you will likely always have the ingredients on hand. i use smoked paprika which really makes it taste similar to smoked salmon. thanks for a great new favorite…we’ve made it over and over since we found it :)
Rachel Gurk says
That makes me so happy, I’m glad you like it so much! I’m going to try it with smoked paprika next time, sounds amazing!
Amy says
Maple glaze is perfect! So delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!