This Honey Mustard Baked Salmon recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even the most novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon, ensuring it cooks through without drying out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Parchment paper is preferred for easier cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking. If using foil, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth and emulsified. The glaze should have a slightly thick consistency, coating the back of a spoon nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper based on your preference.
3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture and allows the glaze to adhere better to the surface of the salmon. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Ensure the fillets are spaced evenly on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
4. Generously Brush with Honey Mustard Glaze: Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the honey mustard glaze all over the top and sides of the salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. You can even let the salmon sit with the glaze for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together a bit more, but this step is optional.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the glazed salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. To check for doneness, gently flake the salmon with a fork at the thickest part. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s cooked. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry salmon. For extra caramelization, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top of the salmon for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more moist and flavorful salmon. Serve immediately and enjoy!