This Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is a game-changer when it comes to quick and flavorful weeknight dinners. The perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates a delicious glaze that coats the salmon perfectly, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you want something healthy yet indulgent.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. You can serve this glazed salmon with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and easy-to-follow steps.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
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Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
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Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Brush the maple Dijon glaze over the top of each fillet, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
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Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon: A Perfectly Glazed Delight
Introduction to Maple Dijon Baked Salmon
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of rich maple syrup and sharp Dijon mustard creates a glaze that enhances the natural taste of the salmon, making it the perfect choice for a quick yet impressive meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for yourself, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it also provides a healthy meal packed with protein and healthy fats. Salmon, known for its omega-3 fatty acids, is a nutritious fish that contributes to heart health and overall well-being. Combined with the flavors of maple syrup and Dijon mustard, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional baked salmon recipes.
The Versatility of Maple Dijon Glaze
One of the standout features of this recipe is the versatility of the maple Dijon glaze. The glaze itself is a perfect blend of flavors—maple syrup provides a natural sweetness, while Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sharp note. When combined with lemon juice and garlic, the result is a glaze that complements the tender and flaky texture of the salmon.
What makes this glaze even better is its adaptability. It can be used not only for salmon but also for other types of fish, such as trout, cod, or halibut. Additionally, the glaze can be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a marinade for other protein-rich dishes like chicken or pork. The flavor profile works wonders in both savory and sweet applications, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is often regarded as one of the healthiest fish you can include in your diet. Known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon plays a significant role in supporting heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and promote brain health. These healthy fats also contribute to glowing skin and improved joint function.
In addition to omega-3s, salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, B12, and selenium, which support bone health, energy production, and antioxidant defense, respectively. Including salmon in your diet regularly is a great way to nourish your body and support overall health.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best things about this Maple Dijon Baked Salmon recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. The method of baking the salmon is convenient, as it requires little attention during cooking. Simply brush the salmon fillets with the maple Dijon glaze and let the oven do the work.
This makes the recipe ideal for busy individuals or families who are looking for a healthy, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for those who are just starting to experiment with cooking fish, as the simplicity of the recipe reduces the chances of mistakes. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this dish to be straightforward and enjoyable to prepare.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon can be served for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to pair it with a wide range of side dishes. For a light and healthy meal, consider pairing the salmon with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or rice are great options to serve alongside the salmon.
The dish also works well for meal prep. If you’re looking to prepare a few meals in advance, baked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and still retain its flavor and texture. Simply reheat the salmon gently in the oven, or serve it cold in salads or sandwiches for a quick and satisfying meal.
Additionally, this dish can be made in larger quantities for gatherings and parties. The maple Dijon glaze gives the salmon a rich, glossy finish, which not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish look elegant and presentable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration, Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is sure to impress your guests.
Flavor Profile: Sweet Meets Savory
The beauty of this recipe lies in the harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The natural sweetness of maple syrup provides a rich counterbalance to the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a glaze that’s both bold and comforting. Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note, enhancing the overall flavor and giving it a fresh kick. Garlic contributes a savory depth that rounds out the flavor profile, making each bite of salmon bursting with complexity.
What’s even better is that the glaze not only flavors the salmon but also forms a beautiful caramelized crust as it bakes, creating a delightful contrast in texture. The tender, flaky salmon contrasts wonderfully with the sticky, slightly crispy glaze, offering a satisfying eating experience with each bite.
Perfect for Meal Planning
For those who are looking to incorporate more fish into their diet, this Maple Dijon Baked Salmon recipe is an excellent option for meal planning. Salmon is quick to cook, making it a great protein source for busy weeks. The glaze can be prepped in advance, and the salmon fillets can be marinated for extra flavor. When it’s time to cook, simply pop the salmon into the oven, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal in no time.
This recipe is also versatile in terms of portion sizes. You can adjust the amount of salmon depending on the number of servings you need, and you can easily scale the glaze recipe accordingly. Whether you’re cooking for one person or preparing a meal for your entire family, this dish can be tailored to suit your needs.
Conclusion
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory glaze, it brings out the natural flavors of the salmon, creating a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. The recipe’s simplicity makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, and its versatility allows you to experiment with different side dishes and variations of the glaze.
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this Maple Dijon Baked Salmon should definitely be on your radar. With its rich flavor profile, easy preparation, and health benefits, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a comforting yet healthy meal, try this recipe and enjoy the perfect combination of maple, Dijon, and tender salmon. Your taste buds will thank you!