Crispy Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe

Golden Maple-Mustard Salmon Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Perfection

Salmon takes center stage in this mouthwatering maple mustard recipe that promises a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Golden-brown edges crisp up with a glossy glaze that seals in every ounce of tenderness.

Rich maple syrup mingles with zesty Dijon mustard, creating a luxurious coating that transforms a simple fish dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of caramelized edges and succulent fish that practically melts on your tongue.

The dish comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or elegant weekend entertaining.

Quick, simple ingredients combine to produce a show-stopping entrée that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how such a few ingredients can create such an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Bring Maple Mustard Salmon to Life

For Flavor Base:
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, tangy kick that complements salmon's richness.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and caramelizing potential for golden glaze.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Introduces rustic texture and deeper mustard complexity.
For Seasoning and Moisture:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps salmon succulent.
  • Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and subtle warmth to the sauce.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweet-tangy elements.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and rounds out seasoning.
For Fresh Finishing Touch:
  • Parsley: Brings bright color and herbaceous freshness to final presentation.
  • Lemon: Optional zesty accent that cuts through richness and adds brightness.
For Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Rich, omega-3 packed fish with delicate texture perfect for quick cooking.

Tools to Bake or Sear This Salmon Dish

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly and preventing mess.
  • Parchment Paper or Foil: Helps line baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending maple mustard sauce smoothly and quickly.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients together.
  • Fork: Useful for checking salmon doneness and flaking fish.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure mustard, oil, and seasonings.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping parsley and optional lemon garnish.

Cooking Maple Mustard Salmon at Home

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Whip Together a Flavor Explosion

Grab a small bowl and mix Dijon mustard, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they become a mouthwatering sauce.

  • Prepare the Salmon

Gently pat the salmon fillets dry and arrange them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Dress Up the Fish

Generously coat each salmon fillet with the zesty maple mustard mixture, making sure every inch gets some love.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until the salmon becomes tender and flakes easily with a fork.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top or add a quick squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of brightness. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and inviting.

Additions and Substitutions for the Glaze

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the maple mustard glaze for an extra kick of warmth and depth.
  • Prepare the maple mustard sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time on busy cooking nights.
  • Replace maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness, or use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative for low-carb diets. Gluten-free diets can easily enjoy this recipe by ensuring all mustard and condiments are certified gluten-free.
  • Always pat salmon fillets completely dry before applying the glaze to help the sauce adhere better and create a beautiful caramelized exterior. Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Transform leftovers into a delicious salmon salad by flaking the fish over mixed greens, or use as a protein-packed topping for grain bowls with roasted vegetables.

Serve It Over Rice or With Veggies

  • Bright Plate Companions: Fresh green salad with mixed herbs and a light vinaigrette dressing perfectly complements the rich salmon flavors.
  • Grain Sidekick: Fluffy quinoa or wild rice provide an excellent base that absorbs the delicious maple mustard sauce and adds nutritional balance.
  • Veggie Crunch: Roasted asparagus spears or honey-glazed carrots create a colorful side that enhances the salmon's sweet and tangy profile, adding visual appeal and extra nutrition.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the fish.

Store Leftovers Without Losing Texture

  • Let salmon rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes after cooking to maintain moisture and enhance flavor profile.
  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always place salmon in the coldest section to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Gently warm salmon in oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Avoid microwave, which can make fish tough and rubbery. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain tenderness.
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Crispy Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe

Crispy Maple Mustard Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent salmon gets a flavor boost with maple mustard glaze, elevating a simple seafood dish to gourmet heights. Crisp Canadian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 170 g each)
  • 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for effortless cleanup and non-stick cooking.
  2. Marinade Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a rich and tangy glaze.
  3. Salmon Positioning: Carefully pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure maximum sauce adherence, then arrange skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, allowing even heat distribution.
  4. Glazing Process: Generously spoon the maple mustard mixture over each salmon fillet, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Roasting Stage: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the salmon becomes easily flakable with a fork and turns opaque throughout its center.
  6. Finishing Touch: Optional garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a zesty lemon squeeze to enhance the dish’s brightness and add a final aromatic layer before serving warm.

Notes

  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and optimal cooking results.
  • Brush the maple mustard mixture evenly, ensuring complete coverage without oversaturating the fish to maintain a perfect glaze consistency.
  • Check salmon at 10 minutes to prevent overcooking; salmon should be just opaque and flake easily to retain moisture and tenderness.
  • Experiment with adding smoked paprika, fresh thyme, or red pepper flakes to the maple mustard mixture for personalized taste profiles and exciting culinary twists.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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