This zesty lemon Dijon salmon is a bright and tasty dish that’s super easy to whip up! Just imagine juicy salmon with a tangy lemon and mustard glaze that really makes your taste buds dance.
I love how quickly it cooks, and it’s perfect with veggies or rice. Plus, who can resist that fresh lemon smell wafting through the kitchen? It’s a winner for dinner! 🍋🐟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for this recipe. You can use skinless fillets for a smooth texture. If salmon is unavailable, try trout or even chicken breast for a different twist. Both will cook similarly!
Dijon Mustard: It adds a nice tanginess to the dish. If you want a milder flavor, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard instead. Always adjust the quantity if you switch to ensure the flavor remains balanced.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey brings sweetness, but you can swap it with maple syrup for a similar effect. For a paleo-friendly option, consider agave syrup or coconut sugar.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works but won’t have the same zing. Always taste as you go!
Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor beautifully. If fresh isn’t available, dried thyme will do the trick. Use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Ensure Your Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky! Here are my tips to ensure it’s moist and flaky:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that ideal cooking temperature. This helps the salmon cook evenly and quickly.
- Keep an eye on the time. Salmon generally needs about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
- If you like a crispier top, finish with a quick broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch closely to prevent burning!
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain moisture, making each bite tender.
These simple tips will ensure your salmon turns out delicious and perfectly cooked every time!
How to Make Zesty Lemon Dijon Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
For Garnishing:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 12-15 minutes for baking. So in just about 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously zesty lemon Dijon salmon ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon bakes evenly and cooks through perfectly.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish or lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and thyme. Whisk everything together until it’s mixed well and smooth. This will be your zesty sauce!
4. Sauce the Salmon:
Spoon the lemon Dijon sauce evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets. Make sure they’re well covered to get that lovely flavor as they cook.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon. Feel free to set a few extra slices around the fillets in the dish for extra zest!
6. Bake the Salmon:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and cook for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Trust me, the smell will be amazing!
7. Finish with Sauce:
Once the salmon is out of the oven, spoon some of the pan sauce over the top for an extra flavor boost. It’s so good!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’re using fresh thyme, sprinkle some on top as a pretty garnish. Serve your zesty lemon Dijon salmon right away, alongside your favorite sides like steamed veggies, rice, or salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
This salmon is bright, tangy, and oh-so-tender. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a special occasion!
Can I Use Different Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is delicious, you can also use trout, cod, or even halibut. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets!
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or honey mustard for a touch of sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and season the salmon up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake the salmon as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
Zesty Lemon Dijon Salmon
Bright, zesty salmon fillets baked with a lemony Dijon, garlic, and thyme sauce—an easy weeknight dinner that’s on the table in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- For Garnishing:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper so the salmon won’t stick.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place the fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and thyme until smooth and well combined.
- Spoon the lemon Dijon mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets, using the back of the spoon to spread it so each piece is well coated.
- Lay lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets, adding a few extra slices around the fish in the dish if you’d like a stronger lemon aroma.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just cooked through in the center.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and spoon some of the warm pan sauce over the salmon to add extra flavor and shine.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if using, and serve the zesty lemon Dijon salmon right away with your favorite sides such as rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. As a general rule, plan for about 10 minutes of cook time per inch of thickness.
You can swap the salmon for other firm fish like trout, cod, or halibut—just keep an eye on doneness and adjust the baking time as needed.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or honey mustard will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a little milder or sweeter.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave so the salmon stays tender.