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Best Ever Baked Salmon – A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Baked salmon is one of the easiest and healthiest meals you can prepare in under 30 minutes. This recipe delivers perfectly tender, flaky salmon coated in a simple yet flavorful glaze made with soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress.

The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors enhances the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly tender and flaky – Baking at the right temperature ensures a moist, juicy texture.

Balanced flavors – A glaze of soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic adds depth without being overpowering.

Quick and easy – Requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

Customizable – Can be made with different seasonings or dry rubs for variety.

Ingredients

For the Baked Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin on)
1 ½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while preparing the other ingredients. This helps the salmon cook more evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 400°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Reserve half of the glaze, then brush the remaining glaze evenly over the salmon.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Step 5: Add More Glaze and Finish Cooking

Brush the salmon with the remaining glaze, then continue baking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, depending on desired doneness.

For well-done salmon, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

For a softer texture, cook to 125-130°F, then remove from the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

Prefer a dry rub? Swap the glaze for a blend of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for extra heat.

Use maple syrup – Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Try lemon garlic – Replace Dijon mustard with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This baked salmon is tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With its quick prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal.

Try this simple recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality salmon dinner at home!

Short Version