Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce

January 28, 2019

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

This is the easiest Baked Salmon with a sweet and tangy Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce! This recipe requires minimal effort, ONLY 5 basic ingredients, and the flavor is perfectly delicious. Plus it’s a healthy recipe to stay on track with (or should we say “mostly healthy,” who can resist a dab of butter?).

Four salmon fillets in a baking dish brushed with a sweet and tangy, buttery honey mustard sauce.

Baked Salmon Recipe with a Simple Sauce

In the winter aren’t we all using the oven to cook salmon (grilling just isn’t happening in this 20 degree whether)?

It’s such a simple foolproof method to cook salmon and it always yields deliciously tender, flavorful results (as long as you don’t over-bake it!).

Of course salmon is good on it’s own spritzed with a bit of fresh lemon but of course it’s just that much better with a second layer of flavor, by finishing it with a bright sauce.

This sauce couldn’t be easier to make. No simmering and reducing, no lengthy list of ingredients, and no 30 minute marinating – all you need to do is blend a few simple ingredients and you’ve got a sauce that will take salmon to next level goodness!

Single baked salmon fillet on a serving dish with a side of roasted potatoes and carrots. Salmon is brushed with a honey mustard sauce.

What Ingredients do You Need for Baked Salmon with Sauce?

  • Salmon Fillets – skinless or skin-on will work here since the sauce is only brushed on top.
  • Dijon Mustard – I buy dijon with white wine in the ingredients.
  • Honey – any runny honey will do.
  • Butter – a little will go a long way here.
  • Garlic – use freshly minced for best results.
  • Salt and pepper – use fresh ground pepper for best flavor.
  • Parsley (optional) – this is just to add a nice pop of contrasting color but it’s not a must.

Ingredients for baked salmon shown here. Salmon fillets honey dijon mustard garlic salt pepper parsley.

How do You Make Baked Salmon?

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Spray 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together melted butter, dijon mustard, honey and garlic.

Mixing sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl for baked salmon.

  • Season bottoms of salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  • Lay fillets in baking dish spacing them evenly apart.

Showing how to make baked salmon. Brushing four fillets in baking dish with honey mustard sauce.

  • Bake in preheated oven to desired doneness, about 10 – 13 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Showing what salmon should look like after baking for doneness.

How do You Cook Salmon in the Oven?

I love oven baked salmon because it’s such a hands off method that doesn’t require much tending too.

  • The temperature range I prefer is generally around 400 – 425 degrees.
  • Cook time will vary depending on temp, salmon size and thickness, and if you are using a whole side of salmon or fillets.
  • Usually bake time is about 10 – 15 minutes for fillets, 15 – 20 minutes for a side of salmon.

How Can You Tell When Salmon is Done?

Check interior of salmon doneness, by taking a sharp knife to check into the center of the thickest part. If the salmon is beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle, it’s done.

Overhead image of two servings of Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce on white serving plates set over a marble surface.

What are Good Sides for Baked Salmon?

Flaked salmon fillet on a serving plate.

More Baked Salmon Recipes You’ll Love!

Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
5 from 9 votes

Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce

This is the easiest Baked Salmon with a sweet and tangy Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce! This recipe requires minimal effort, ONLY 5 basic ingredients, and the flavor is perfectly delicious.
Servings: 4
Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together melted butter, dijon mustard, honey and garlic.
  • Season bottoms of fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Lay salmon fillets (bottom side down) in baking dish spacing them evenly apart. 
  • Brush butter mixture salmon fillets then season top lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Bake in preheated oven 10 - 13 minutes*. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Skin-on fillets and salted butter will work fine here too.
  • *Check interior of salmon doneness, by taking a sharp knife to check into the center of the thickest part. If the salmon is beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle, it's done.
Nutrition Facts
Baked Salmon with Buttery Honey Mustard Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 417 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 132mg44%
Sodium 158mg7%
Potassium 1041mg30%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 260IU5%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1.8mg10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.