Oh, I’m so excited you’re here because today I’m sharing one of the most soul-warming dishes: Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce! If you love meals that feel fancy but are secretly so simple to make, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe blends melt-in-your-mouth salmon with a rich, golden, slightly sweet sauce that honestly had me licking the spoon (no shame!).
Before we dive into the delicious details, don’t forget — you can subscribe to get this recipe straight to your inbox and never miss out on these easy, flavor-packed ideas!
Overview of Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
Baked salmon might sound like something reserved for special dinners, but trust me, it’s meant for everyday joy too. The Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce is the star here: creamy, tangy, sweet, and luxurious without being heavy. Paired with flaky salmon, it’s a flavor bomb in the best possible way.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Only 10 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Clean, simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Elegant Yet Easy: Impressive enough for guests, effortless enough for weeknights.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters ask for seconds (ask me how I know!).
What Does Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce Taste Like?
The first bite hits you with a buttery richness, followed by a sweet kiss of honey and a tangy mustard bite. The salmon itself is so tender it practically melts. Each mouthful feels like a little celebration — it’s savory, slightly sweet, a little sharp, and SO satisfying.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Great source of lean protein
- Packed with flavor but lower in carbs
- Flexible for different diets (keto-friendly with small tweaks!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional but so pretty!)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Basting brush (optional but helpful)
- Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
- Maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Spicy brown mustard for a kick.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme mixed into the sauce for herbaceous notes.
- Ghee or olive oil instead of butter for dairy-free options.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with foil.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), and minced garlic.
Step 3: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Spoon the buttery honey mustard sauce generously over each fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end if you want the top to caramelize a bit (highly recommend!).
Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
I’m kicking myself for not having shot it — the golden glaze on top is just stunning!!
What to Serve with Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
- Garlic mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
- Steamed asparagus or green beans for a lighter touch.
- Quinoa salad with fresh veggies for a nutrient boost.
- Buttery rice pilaf that soaks up all that extra sauce — yes, please!
Tips for Perfect Salmon Every Time
- Don’t overbake! Salmon continues to cook after coming out of the oven.
- Always check for doneness with a fork — it should flake easily.
- Use wild-caught salmon if possible for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers (lucky you)? Here’s how to keep them:
- Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out.
- Delicious cold too — flake into salads for lunch!
General Information About Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
This dish is a beautiful balance of health and indulgence. It’s friendly for weeknights but fancy enough for date night or small dinner parties. Plus, it scales easily — just double the sauce for a bigger crowd!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and marinate the salmon up to 6 hours ahead. Bake just before serving for best results.
What kind of mustard works best?
Dijon is key for the creamy tang! Whole grain adds a nice texture, but if you’re not a fan, just stick to smooth Dijon.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
What’s the best way to know when salmon is done?
The flesh should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Conclusion
In the end, Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce is everything you want: fast, flavorful, foolproof, and just plain gorgeous. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish brings that cozy, satisfying, “how-is-this-so-easy?!” magic to your table.
If you’re loving salmon as much as I am, you might also love my Easy Peach Glazed Salmon (sweet and savory heaven!!) or my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli for another quick protein-packed meal.
Interactive Element
I’d LOVE to see your creations!! 🌟 If you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest — sharing your kitchen wins makes my day!! And if you enjoyed it, please leave a review below!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
Golden, flaky baked salmon dripping in a buttery honey mustard sauce that’s rich, tangy, and sweet — this dish feels elegant but is secretly so easy! Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
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3 tablespoons butter, melted
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
-
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), and minced garlic.
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Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper.
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Generously spoon the buttery honey mustard sauce over each fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
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Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the top beautifully!
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Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
Notes
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For extra richness, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce.
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Don’t overbake! Salmon cooks fast and stays juicier if slightly underdone.
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Frozen salmon works great — just thaw fully and pat dry first.
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This buttery sauce is also amazing drizzled over steamed veggies or rice!
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Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked salmon, honey mustard salmon, buttery salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, salmon with sauce, healthy salmon, weeknight dinner