If you’re looking for a stunningly simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner, the Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This dish delivers tender, juicy king salmon fillets brushed with a luscious glaze combining the bright zesty pop of lemon and the natural sweetness of honey, balanced perfectly with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a breeze to prepare and makes an impressive meal for weeknights or special occasions, bringing irresistible warmth and freshness straight to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe. Each simple element plays a vital role, from providing richness and tang to adding just the right hint of spice and sweetness that makes the salmon sing.
- King salmon (1 1/2 pounds): The star of the show, known for its buttery texture and rich flavor.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds luscious moisture and helps carry the flavors of the glaze.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon.
- Honey (2 teaspoons): Offers natural sweetness that balances the tartness of lemon and warmth of spices.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle sharpness and depth to the glaze.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Provides mild smoky flavor and a subtle color boost.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy undertone that complements the honey and lemon.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle savory note without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- Optional toppings: Fresh dill, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for garnish and added brightness.
How to Make Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees. This temperature is just right for baking the salmon to perfectly tender and flaky without drying it out. It ensures the glaze caramelizes slightly on the surface, creating a delightful finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and garlic powder. This mix is your magic sauce, combining richness, tang, sweetness, and spice into one harmonious glaze that will elevate the salmon beautifully.
Step 3: Ready the Salmon
Place your king salmon fillet skin side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the fish dry with paper towels; this helps the glaze stick better and promotes even cooking.
Step 4: Glaze the Fillet
Brush the luscious butter and spice mixture all over the top of the salmon until it’s fully coated. Don’t be shy here – the glaze is where all the flavor lives, and it creates a gorgeous glossy finish after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the salmon in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and registers 145 degrees at the thickest part with a food thermometer. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked: tender, moist, and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once baked, serve your salmon straight away. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley and a squeeze of lemon from wedges on the side adds brightness and a fresh finish that complements every bite.
How to Serve Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
The ideal garnishes for this salmon are fresh dill, parsley, and wedges of lemon. These add a refreshing herbal note and a burst of citrus that elevates the overall flavor. The bright green herbs also make the dish pop visually, creating a stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
Complement this salmon with a variety of sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Lightly buttered steamed vegetables or a quinoa pilaf also pair beautifully, balancing richness with freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve your salmon on rustic wooden boards with lemon wedges and sprinkled herbs. For something fancy, plate it over a bed of creamy risotto garnished with microgreens. You can even serve flaked salmon atop toasted bread with avocado and fresh tomatoes as an elegant brunch or light dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The salmon will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without waste.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the fish, place it in a covered dish with a sprinkle of water or broth and warm gently in the oven at 275 degrees until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make it tough and uneven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! While king salmon is prized for its richness, sockeye, coho, or Atlantic salmon will also work wonderfully with this glaze. Just adjust the cooking time if your fillet is thinner or thicker.
Is the glaze gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your mustard does not contain any hidden gluten.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can mix the glaze a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before brushing it on the salmon to ensure even coverage.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If Dijon mustard isn’t available, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a small amount of horseradish for a different but delightful flavor twist.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Alternatively, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and special about the Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe that makes it a real favorite in my kitchen. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and bright, and the ease of preparation means you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this spectacular salmon experience—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked King Salmon with Lemon and Honey Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This baked king salmon recipe offers a delicious and simple way to prepare a rich, flavorful fish dish. The salmon is coated in a buttery mixture with hints of lemon, honey, and spices, then baked to perfection until tender and flaky. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 1/2 pounds king salmon
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Fresh dill
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly baking the salmon.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Use a paper towel to pat the salmon dry, helping the butter mixture adhere better.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Generously brush the prepared butter mixture over the top of the salmon, ensuring the fillet is fully covered with a flavorful glaze.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the fillet.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges, if desired, to add fresh flavors and vibrant color.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the salmon is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- If king salmon is unavailable, other types of salmon, such as sockeye or Atlantic salmon, can be used as alternatives.
- For crispier skin, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste; more honey can add sweetness, or extra lemon juice can increase tanginess.
