If you are craving a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, the Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together the rich, buttery flavor of king salmon perfectly balanced by a tangy and sweet glaze that highlights every bite with a burst of brightness. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress family or guests alike. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a delightful dinner on a weeknight, this baked king salmon recipe is a true winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe means gathering just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a key part in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and aroma that this dish is known for, making every bite irresistible.
- King Salmon (1 1/2 pounds): Choose fresh fillets for the best flavor and flaky texture.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the glaze to spread evenly over the salmon.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the fish and butter.
- Honey (2 teaspoons): Balances tartness with a natural sweetness, creating a beautiful glaze.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle tang and depth that wakes up the flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky warmth and enhances the color of the glaze.
- Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of earthiness that complements the sweet glaze wonderfully.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a mild savory note without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh dill, parsley, and lemon wedges add freshness and a pop of color at serving.
How to Make Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking the salmon to a juicy, flaky finish without drying it out.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and garlic powder. This mixture will create your signature lemon-honey Dijon glaze that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 3: Ready the Salmon
Place your salmon fillet skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Use a paper towel to gently pat the fish dry, which helps the glaze stick better and ensures a nice texture after baking.
Step 4: Glaze the Salmon
Brush the buttery glaze generously all over the top of the salmon. Make sure every inch gets coated so each bite bursts with flavor when it’s baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slip the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees at the thickest part. The glaze will shine beautifully on the cooked fish, adding an irresistible gloss.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Immediately transfer the salmon to a serving plate. Feel free to garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or lemon wedges to add a fresh pop of flavor and make your dish look stunning.
How to Serve Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the dish while lemon wedges add the option of extra citrusy zing. These simple touches elevate the presentation and make the flavors pop just before enjoying.
Side Dishes
Pair this salmon with light and colorful sides such as roasted asparagus, a crisp garden salad, or fluffy quinoa. The buttery glaze is rich, so balancing it with fresh, crisp vegetables delivers a harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the salmon atop a bed of wild rice or herbed couscous, then drizzle any leftover glaze around the plate. You could also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, turning this simple dish into a feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked king salmon, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making a quick lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. Frozen salmon is best used within 1 to 2 months to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven or microwave in short intervals, taking care not to overcook and dry it out. Adding a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating can help keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of salmon for this glaze?
Absolutely! While king salmon offers a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the lemon-honey Dijon glaze, sockeye or Atlantic salmon will also work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Is the glaze too sweet because it contains honey?
Not at all. The honey adds just a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy mustard and lemon juice. It’s a harmonious blend that enhances the salmon’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before brushing it onto the salmon to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? Can I use another type?
You can substitute with yellow mustard if needed, but Dijon provides a smoother, more refined flavor that complements the glaze perfectly. If using yellow mustard, consider reducing the quantity slightly to avoid a sharper taste.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Check for a flaky texture that easily separates with a fork or use an instant-read thermometer. When the thickest part reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit, your salmon is cooked perfectly and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one salmon recipe to add to your rotation, the Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe should be it. It’s approachable, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion where you want a dish that feels special without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with salmon all over again!
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Baked King Salmon with Lemon-Honey Dijon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked King Salmon recipe features tender and flaky salmon fillets brushed with a flavorful mixture of melted butter, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection at 400°F, the salmon is moist and infused with a delightful blend of savory and sweet notes, making it a perfect healthy and delicious main course for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 1/2 pounds king salmon
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Fresh dill or fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to mix all the flavors evenly.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin side down on a parchment paper or aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Pat the salmon dry using a paper towel to help the butter mixture stick better.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Using a brush, evenly coat the top of the salmon with the prepared butter mixture until fully covered.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and optimal texture.
- Patting the salmon dry before applying the butter mixture helps it adhere better and creates a nicer crust.
- Feel free to use fresh herbs of your choice for garnish to add brightness and freshness.
- For a different flavor profile, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
