This 4-ingredient roasted salmon recipe will soon become a weeknight staple in your family's meal rotation! With a simple brown sugar Dijon mustard glaze, the fish develops a crisp exterior and a moist, buttery inside. Garnish each fillet with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality dinner in just 15 minutes!
Oven Roasted Salmon
There are a variety of ways in which to cook salmon -- from grilling to pan-searing, poaching or baking in foil. The method that we choose typically depends on a variety of different factors, including the weather, the amount of time that we have, or what else is on the menu. While grilled salmon is perfect in the summer and blackened salmon is best in a cast-iron skillet, oven roasted salmon is always my top choice for busy weeknights! It's hands-off and quick, so I can get a healthy seafood supper on the table for my family in about 15 minutes. Best of all, the tender, moist fish comes out perfectly every time!
The Brown Sugar-Dijon Mustard Glaze
This particular roasted salmon recipe includes a sweet, savory and zesty brown sugar and Dijon mustard glaze. It's the same combination that we love on my Mustard and Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin, and it works equally well with the fish, too. I opted for Dijon instead of yellow mustard here, but either variety will work.
The glaze serves a couple of different purposes. First, it adds great flavor to the salmon without an overpowering mustard taste. My kids do not care for Dijon mustard at all, but they love this dish. Second, the sugar in the glaze caramelizes under the broiler, helping to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the inside of the fillet moist and tender.
Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you'll need for these oven roasted salmon fillets. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Salmon: cut into 5-6 ounce fillets.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: to season the fish.
- Garlic powder: for more flavor. A little goes a long way, but you can use more if you like.
- Dijon mustard and brown sugar: stir together for a smooth glaze.
How to Roast Salmon
If you don't count the salt and pepper, this simple roasted salmon recipe requires just 4 ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Best of all, it's ready in less than 20 minutes. Let's get started!
- Season fillets with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Stir together Dijon mustard and brown sugar.
- Brush or spread the brown sugar glaze on top of each fillet.
- Roast in a 400° F oven until the fish flakes easily with a fork, transferring to the broiler during the final few minutes to achieve a crisp exterior.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 400° F
Roast the salmon fillets at 400° F for 8-11 minutes. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish. I typically move the fish to the broiler at about the 8-minute mark and let it finish for the final few minutes under the high heat of the broiler. This helps the top of the fillets get crispy and charred, which we love.
What temp should you bake salmon?
You know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you're using an instant read thermometer, the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
What to Serve with Roasted Salmon
This versatile fish pairs nicely with almost any of your favorite sides. Here are some easy options:
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, Aunt Bee's 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits or Drop Biscuits
- A loaf of crusty No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or French Baguette
- 3-Ingredient Sour Cream Muffins
- Pumpkin Bread or Pumpkin Muffins
- A simple Green Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette, a classic Caesar Salad, or this House Salad with Candied Pecans
- Skillet Cornbread, Honey Cornbread or Corn Muffins
- Southern Macaroni Salad, Classic Pasta Salad or Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Coleslaw or Vinegar Coleslaw
- Southern Collard Greens
- Baked Potato Wedges, Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives, Skin On Mashed Red Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, or Easy Potato Salad
- Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Green Beans, Sauteed Green Beans or Southern-Style Green Beans
- Sauteed Asparagus
- Roasted Broccoli
- Sauteed Spinach or Creamed Spinach
Storage
Store leftover roasted salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Can I freeze roasted salmon?
Yes! Cooked salmon can be frozen for four to six months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Thaw cooked salmon in the refrigerator or immersed in cold water. Use cooked, thawed salmon in salads or as a substitution for canned salmon in casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwiches or wraps.
Recipe Variations
- You don't need to use all of the brown sugar glaze on your fish. Adjust the amount of seasoning and the amount of glaze to suit your taste.
- Swap out the Dijon and use yellow prepared mustard instead.
- Season the fish with other herbs and spices before adding the glaze. We love to sprinkle on some of this all-purpose seasoning, but dried herbs, paprika, or even spicy cayenne would all be great, too.
- Can you bake salmon from frozen? Yes, you can. You'll need to extend the baking time to account for the frozen fish. The extra moisture in the fish may prevent the final dish from becoming quite as crispy on the outside, too.
Tips for the Best Roasted Salmon Recipe
- Scale the recipe up or down according to the size of your family. For instance, I cook 5 fillets for our family, while you might need just two. If you're using less than 3 or 4 fillets, you can make half as much glaze.
- To achieve a crisp exterior, transfer the salmon to the broiler at about the 8-minute mark. Broil for a couple more minutes, until the top is nicely browned and the salmon is cooked through.
- Total roasting time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillets. You know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and your favorite fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, thyme or chives. These add a nice, bright, colorful finishing touch.
More Easy Salmon Recipes to Try
- Perfect 15-Minute Grilled Salmon
- Baked Salmon Fillet
- 5-Ingredient Blackened Salmon
- Salmon with Dill Sauce
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Parmesan Herb Baked Salmon
- Honey Soy Salmon
- Salmon Marinade with Lemon, Garlic and Herbs
4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Dijon Roasted Salmon
Ingredients
- 3-4 salmon fillets (about 5-6 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped fresh parsley, basil, thyme or chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat lightly with nonstick spray (or use parchment paper).
- Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared pan. Season the top of each fillet with plenty of salt and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, stir together Dijon mustard and brown sugar until smooth. Spread the Dijon mixture on top of each salmon fillet.
- Roast in the oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For a crispy, browned exterior, place the salmon under the broiler during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Just make sure that you keep a close eye on it so that the sugars don’t burn.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Scale the recipe up or down according to the size of your family. For instance, I cook 5 fillets for our family, while you might need just two. If you're using less than 3 or 4 fillets, you can make half as much glaze.
- You don't need to use all of the brown sugar glaze on your fish. Adjust the amount of seasoning and the amount of glaze to suit your taste.
- To achieve a crisp exterior, transfer the salmon to the broiler at about the 8-minute mark. Broil for a couple more minutes, until the top is nicely browned and the salmon is cooked through.
- Total roasting time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillets. You know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and your favorite fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, thyme or chives. These add a nice, bright, colorful finishing touch.
Victoria G
My rating stingy hubby gave it a strong 4 stars!!! It was super simple and super tasty. Definitely do the broiler step. Thank you for a great recipe 🙂
Blair
Thanks, Victoria! Glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂