Name: Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients:; 4 salmon fillets (about 170 g each), skin-on or skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml); Salt and black pepper, to taste; For the Maple Mustard Glaze:; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (45 ml); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 g); 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Pinch of chili flakes (optional); Garnish (optional):; Fresh chopped parsley or dill; Lemon wedges

If you want a meal that’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor, this Maple Mustard Salmon recipe delivers on every front. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the salmon bakes, giving each bite the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and richness. It’s an elegant dish that looks restaurant-worthy yet takes less than 30 minutes to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe proves that healthy eating can also be indulgent.

The secret to great maple mustard salmon lies in balance — rich salmon, bold mustard, and a touch of sweetness work in harmony. With minimal prep, you can achieve tender, flaky fish and a glaze that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work together to highlight the natural flavors of salmon.

Main Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (about 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Maple Mustard Glaze:

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (45 ml)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 g)
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
Pinch of chili flakes (optional for heat)

Garnish (optional):

Fresh chopped parsley or dill
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the glaze adhere better. Brush both sides of the fillets lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Maple Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), soy sauce, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning — add more mustard for tang, or more maple syrup for sweetness.

Step 3: Glaze the Salmon

Spoon or brush the maple mustard glaze generously over the salmon fillets, coating the tops evenly. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the glaze to brush on after baking for extra shine and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F). For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with the reserved glaze for an extra glossy coating. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill for freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides — roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad complement this dish perfectly.

Conservation and Storage

Maple mustard salmon keeps its flavor and texture well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (150°C / 300°F) or in a covered skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap individual portions in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.
Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can dry out salmon and dull the glaze, so use a gentle reheating method instead.

Variations

This dish is flexible — small tweaks can give it a new flavor profile every time.

Spicy Maple Mustard Salmon: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or hot honey to the glaze for a sweet-heat combination.
Herb-Infused Version: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the glaze for an aromatic twist.
Citrus Maple Salmon: Replace apple cider vinegar with orange or lime juice for a zesty glaze.
Grilled Maple Mustard Salmon: Instead of baking, grill the fillets over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side for a smoky finish.
Honey Mustard Option: Substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness and thicker glaze.
Sheet Pan Dinner: Add vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to the same tray. Toss them lightly with olive oil and salt before baking for a complete one-pan meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Maple Mustard Salmon

Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho offers a deeper flavor and firmer texture. Farmed salmon works well too but tends to be richer and fattier.
Pat the Salmon Dry: This step ensures the glaze sticks and caramelizes properly.
Balance the Flavors: The glaze should have a harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Taste it before applying and adjust accordingly.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Pull it out when it’s just opaque and flakes easily.
Add a Broil Finish: A quick broil caramelizes the glaze beautifully for restaurant-style results.
Rest Before Serving: Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
Pair with Contrast: The sweetness of the glaze benefits from sides that add acidity or crunch, like lemony vegetables or grain salads.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salmon pairs beautifully with a range of sides and can fit into both casual and elegant meals.

Classic Pairing: Serve with roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus and a squeeze of lemon.
Healthy Option: Pair with quinoa, wild rice, or a kale salad for a balanced meal.
Comfort Plate: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice.
Light and Fresh: Combine with a cucumber-dill salad or citrus slaw to balance the glaze’s sweetness.
Elegant Dinner: Plate with grilled vegetables, herbed couscous, and a drizzle of extra maple-mustard sauce.
Sandwich Idea: Flake leftover salmon into sandwiches or wraps with avocado and arugula.

For drinks, pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pinot Noir, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish.

Conclusion

This Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe proves that simplicity and sophistication can go hand in hand. With minimal ingredients and prep time, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. The sweet maple syrup complements the savory richness of salmon, while the mustard adds tang and depth. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet yet fits perfectly into busy weeknights.

Whether you bake it for a quick family dinner or serve it at a dinner party, maple mustard salmon delivers consistent, delicious results. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, the fish stays moist and flaky, and the flavors feel both comforting and refined.

This recipe’s versatility also shines — you can grill it in summer, bake it in winter, or adjust the spices to your taste. Once you make it, it will likely become a go-to favorite — a reminder that sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.

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Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick, healthy, and flavorful salmon dish glazed with sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard. This easy recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and delivers perfectly tender, caramelized salmon every time. Ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, it balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (about 170 g each), skin-on or skinless

2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Maple Mustard Glaze:

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (45 ml)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 g)

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Garnish (optional):

Fresh chopped parsley or dill

Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place skin-side down on the prepared tray.

Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, soy sauce, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and chili flakes. Adjust to taste.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Brush the glaze generously over the salmon, reserving 1 tablespoon for later.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. Salmon should flake easily and reach 60°C (140°F). For caramelization, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Brush the salmon with the reserved glaze. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges and your preferred sides.