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Kid-Approved Maple Dijon Salmon

maple dijon salmon - featured image

A quick and easy salmon recipe with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze that’s perfect for busy weeknights and last-minute gatherings. This crowd-pleaser converts picky eaters and looks restaurant-quality with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika until smooth.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if they have skin. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread a generous layer of the glaze over each fillet. Reserve about a third of the glaze for later.
  5. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the fillets. Return to the oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium.
  6. Optional: Switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes to caramelize the top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best caramelization. For thicker fillets, increase cooking time. Double the glaze if you like extra sauce. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple Dijon salmon, easy salmon recipe, kid-friendly salmon, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe, gluten-free salmon, dairy-free salmon