Maple Dijon Baked Salmon

Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is one of those effortless recipes that feels special yet remains wonderfully simple. Because the glaze blends sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard, every bite tastes balanced and rich without being heavy. Meanwhile, fresh lemon and garlic keep the flavors bright and clean. As a result, this dish works beautifully for both busy weeknights and relaxed dinner gatherings.

Salmon has long been prized for its natural richness and quick cooking time. In fact, oven-baking has been one of the most reliable methods for preserving its moisture while enhancing flavor. Over time, maple and mustard became a popular pairing in North American kitchens because they complement fatty fish so well.

Moreover, this recipe requires minimal prep while delivering restaurant-quality results. Simply glaze, bake, and serve. Whether paired with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, this salmon always feels polished. Most importantly, it proves that elegant cooking does not need to be complicated.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz. each)
3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets skin-side down, spacing them slightly apart.

2. Make the maple Dijon glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy.

3. Glaze the salmon:
Next, spoon the glaze evenly over each salmon fillet. Then, gently spread it across the surface, allowing some to drip naturally along the sides.

4. Bake to perfection:
Transfer to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 125–130°F internally.

5. Finish and serve:
Finally, remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley, and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Balance sweet and tangy flavors:
  Because maple syrup varies in intensity, taste the glaze first. If needed, add a few extra drops of lemon juice to brighten the Dijon and keep the flavor refined.
• Avoid overbaking salmon:
  Although salmon continues cooking after baking, pulling it slightly early ensures a moist, buttery texture rather than dryness.
• Upgrade the presentation effortlessly:
  Before serving, spoon a small amount of warm glaze from the pan over each fillet. This enhances shine while reinforcing flavor depth.