“Baked Honey Dijon Salmon”

Salmon, the healthy fish loaded with Omega 3’s and a favorite. However, looking for new ways to prepare salmon can be a real challenge during the winter months. I’m a grilling machine during the spring and summer months. Salmon can easily be infused with just about any flavor profile you can think of from both sweet and savory. My family happens to enjoy both so coming up with my Baked Honey Dijon Salmon was so easy.

The first time I made this recipe it was perfect on the first try. As you may know salmon can be pricey and not a fish you want to destroy up in the kitchen, if you know what I mean. Lady luck was with me on this day. Yay!, Yay! and Yay!

Baked Honey Dijon Salmon

Purchase a salmon fillet and ensure buying the freshest you can find. Salmon should smell of fresh water if farm-raised and the ocean if from the Atlantic. If any other smells are present, DO NOT BUY! It’s not fresh. Once you’ve purchased your salmon, take home and store in refrigerator until ready to prepare. I recommend cooking the same day as purchased, however, I’m well aware plans change, so keep salmon in coldest part of your refrigerator and cook the next day. Don’t refreeze if previously frozen and only freeze fresh fillets in airtight wrapping for a maximum of 30 days for best results.

Preparing your Baked Honey Dijon Salmon is a breeze and a perfect family weeknight meal, ready in 1 hour or less. Chances are you already have these ingredients excluding the salmon in your kitchen. Just mix the melted butter, mustard and honey together and set aside. Then mix breadcrumbs, chopped pecans and parsley together in another bowl. Spread prepared fillet with butter mixture then pat breadcrumb mixture over salmon fillet until all covered. Bake at 400 degrees, remove from oven, serve hot with lemon. Viola! The breadcrumbs and pecans give the salmon this crunchy crust with the warm toasty flavor. The mustard and honey add a little sweetness. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy! It will knock your socks off.

Baked Honey Dijon Salmon

Baked Honey Dijon Salmon

1 1/2 – 2 pound salmon fillet

1/4 cup melted butter

1 T. plus 2 t. honey

3 T. Dijon mustard

1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1 T. plus 2 t. fresh chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a half baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard and honey and set aside. Using another small bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, pecans and parsley.

With a pastry brush, smear salmon fillet with honey mustard mixture and sprinkle top or fillet with breadcrumb mixture.

Bake salmon 15 – 18 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.