This Maple Mustard Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory—all wrapped up in a dish that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The glaze is rich and flavorful, and it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a golden crust on the salmon that’s just irresistible. This recipe is a no-fuss favorite that never fails to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under half an hour—yes, it’s that fast!
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The maple and mustard combo is bold, balanced, and completely addictive.
Healthy Choice: Packed with omega-3s and protein, this salmon dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and pairs well with many sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon fillets: Look for fresh or frozen fillets with the skin on—this helps lock in moisture and keeps the fish from sticking to the pan.
Maple syrup: Go for pure maple syrup. The natural sweetness gives the glaze depth and a lovely caramelization.
Dijon mustard: Brings a zesty sharpness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that really enhances the glaze.
Olive oil: Helps the glaze coat the salmon and aids in even roasting.
Soy sauce (optional): Just a splash can add a touch of umami for deeper flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon and bringing all the flavors together.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze if you like a little heat.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy, herbaceous profile.
Citrus Kick: A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice in the glaze can brighten up the flavor.
Grill It: Instead of baking, fire up the grill for a smoky, charred finish.

How to Make Maple Mustard Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it skin-side down on the sheet.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and a touch of soy sauce if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Glaze the Salmon

Brush the maple mustard mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure they’re well coated—this glaze is the star of the show!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For a more caramelized top, broil it for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the oven—the salmon is done when it flakes easily and still looks moist in the center.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F.
Skin-On is Best: It helps hold the shape and adds flavor, especially if you enjoy crispy skin.
Double the Glaze: Make extra for drizzling over veggies or rice—trust me, you’ll want more of it.

How to Serve

This salmon is incredibly versatile, so you’ve got options:

Classic Pairings

Serve it with roasted baby potatoes and steamed green beans for a well-rounded dinner.

Lighter Sides

Pair with a quinoa salad, cauliflower rice, or simple mixed greens with vinaigrette.

Bowl Style

Flake the salmon and serve it over a rice or grain bowl with avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of extra glaze or a lemon tahini dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze stays tasty, and the salmon retains its moisture well.

Freezing

Freeze cooked and cooled salmon fillets in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before adding the glaze. Excess moisture can prevent the glaze from sticking well.

What kind of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is ideal because it’s smooth and tangy, but you could also use whole grain mustard for a bit of texture.

Is maple syrup necessary, or can I substitute it?
Maple syrup gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, honey or agave syrup can work too—just know the taste will be slightly different.

Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Brush on the glaze and grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Mustard Salmon is one of those effortless recipes that delivers huge flavor with barely any cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!

Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe