Dive into a delightful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Honey mustard salmon in foil is a succulent and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, all enhanced by the richness of butter. This simple preparation ensures a moist and perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be common pantry staples. For instance, whole grain mustard and dijon mustard may require a trip to the supermarket if you don't already have them. Additionally, make sure to grab fresh lemon juice and a good cut of salmon for the best results.
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
honey: Provides a natural sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.
butter: Adds richness and helps to meld the ingredients together.
whole grain mustard: Offers a textured, sharp taste that complements the salmon.
dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy kick to the dish.
garlic: Infuses the salmon with a robust, savory flavor.
lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a citrusy freshness.
chili powder: Adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.
salmon: The main protein, providing a rich, tender, and flaky texture.
salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and sharpness.
parsley: Used for garnishing, adding a fresh, herbaceous note.
lemon wedges: Served on the side to add a burst of additional citrus flavor when served.
One reader, Cherish Pagano says:
This honey mustard salmon in foil recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the salmon turns out incredibly tender and juicy. The hint of chili powder adds a delightful kick. Plus, it's so easy to prepare and clean up. Definitely a new favorite in our household!
Techniques Required for Making Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
How to position a rack in the oven: Place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking. How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the salmon inside. How to line a baking tray with foil: Lay a large piece of foil on the baking tray, ensuring it is big enough to fold over the salmon and seal it. How to combine ingredients in a saucepan: Mix honey, mustard, butter, garlic, and lemon in a small saucepan and whisk until well combined. How to pour and spread sauce: Pour the honey mustard mixture over the salmon and use a pastry brush or spoon to spread it evenly. How to fold foil to create a packet: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to cover it completely and seal the packet to prevent leaks. How to bake salmon: Place the foil packet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, adjusting for the thickness of the fish. How to broil salmon: Open the foil and place the salmon under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat to caramelize the top. How to garnish and serve: Sprinkle parsley over the salmon and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
How To Make Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil
Get your all-time favorite flavors honey mustard and garlic butter coated in one delicious meal with this honey mustard salmon perfect for lunch or dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cuphoney
- ¼cupbutter
- ¼cupwhole grain mustard
- 2tbspDijon mustardsmooth and mild
- 5garlic clovespeeled and minced
- 2tbspfresh lemon juice
- ½tspchili powderor cayenne powder, optional
- 2½lbsalmon
- saltto season
- black peppercracked, to taste
- 2tbspparsleyfresh chopped
- lemon wedgesoptional
Instructions
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Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Line a baking tray or sheet with a large piece of foil, big enough to fold over and seal to create a packet or 2 long pieces of foil overlapping each other lengthways to create your salmon packet, depending on the width of you fillet.
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In a small saucepan, combine the honey, mustard, butter, garlic, and lemon. Whisk until the honey has melted through the butter and the mixture is well combined.
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Place the salmon onto a lined baking tray or sheet. Pour the butter or honey mixture over the salmon, and using a pastry brush or spoon, spread evenly over the salmon.
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Sprinkle with a good amount of salt and cracked pepper. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to cover and completely seal the packet closed so the butter does not leak.
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Bake until cooked through for about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish and your preference of doneness.
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Open the foil and grill or broil under the grill or broiler for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat to caramelize the top.
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Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Calories: 403.54kcal
- Fat: 25.26g
- Saturated Fat: 8.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.85g
- Carbohydrates: 14.36g
- Fiber: 0.98g
- Sugar: 12.02g
- Protein: 29.80g
- Cholesterol: 93.21mg
- Sodium: 439.54mg
- Calcium: 32.61mg
- Potassium: 578.55mg
- Iron: 0.95mg
- Vitamin A: 55.83µg
- Vitamin C: 12.67mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
When preparing the salmon, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before placing it on the lined baking tray. This helps the honey mustard mixture adhere better to the fish, ensuring a more flavorful and evenly cooked result.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Honey Mustard Salmon
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out honey, butter, and mustards ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Line the tray efficiently: Use pre-cut foil sheets to quickly line your baking tray.
Melt butter in microwave: Speed up the sauce preparation by melting the butter in the microwave instead of a saucepan.
Broil for a quick finish: Use the broiler to quickly caramelize the top of the salmon for a perfect finish.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil Recipe
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative to honey.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to add richness and moisture, and it also brings a slightly different flavor profile that complements salmon well.
whole grain mustard - Substitute with stone-ground mustard: Stone-ground mustard has a similar texture and flavor, making it a suitable replacement for whole grain mustard.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard, though it will have a milder flavor.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is not available; use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used to add a mild heat and smokiness, similar to chili powder.
salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor to salmon, making it a good alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used to add a fresh, herbaceous note similar to parsley.
lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime wedges provide a similar tangy freshness, making them a good alternative to lemon wedges.
Presenting Your Honey Mustard Salmon Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the salmon into individual portions before baking to ensure even cooking and elegant presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped parsley and place lemon wedges artistically around the salmon for a vibrant touch.
Create height: Stack the salmon pieces slightly on top of each other or on a bed of fresh greens to add visual interest and dimension.
Drizzle sauce artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce in a zigzag pattern around the salmon for a professional look.
Add texture: Sprinkle a small amount of crushed nuts or crispy garlic chips on top of the salmon for added crunch and contrast.
Use a clean, white plate: Present the dish on a pristine, white plate to make the colors of the salmon and garnishes pop, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Include a side: Pair the salmon with a small portion of seasonal vegetables or a light salad to create a balanced and complete dish.
Highlight the caramelization: Ensure the salmon is broiled to a perfect golden brown, showcasing the caramelized honey mustard glaze for an appetizing finish.
Essential Tools for Making Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
Oven: Used to bake the salmon at the specified temperature.
Baking tray: Holds the salmon and foil packet while baking.
Foil: Creates a sealed packet to cook the salmon in, ensuring it stays moist.
Small saucepan: Used to melt and combine the honey, mustard, butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
Whisk: Mixes the ingredients in the saucepan until well combined.
Pastry brush: Spreads the honey mustard mixture evenly over the salmon.
Knife: Minces the garlic cloves and chops the parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping garlic and parsley.
Measuring cups: Measures the honey, butter, and mustard accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measures the lemon juice and chili powder accurately.
Tongs: Helps to handle the salmon fillet without breaking it.
Broiler: Caramelizes the top of the salmon after baking.
Serving platter: Holds the finished salmon for serving.
Lemon squeezer: Extracts fresh lemon juice for the recipe.
Storing and Freezing Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
To store leftover honey mustard salmon, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the cooked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen cooked salmon can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen honey mustard salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat as it may dry out the fish.
If you have leftover honey mustard sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use it as a dipping sauce for other seafood or as a dressing for salads.
It's not recommended to freeze the honey mustard sauce separately, as the texture and consistency may change upon thawing. It's best to make a fresh batch of sauce when needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Honey Mustard Salmon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover honey mustard salmon in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the salmon while preventing it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can quickly become dry and rubbery in the microwave.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your leftover salmon, you can reheat it in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
For a flavorful twist, you can reheat your leftover salmon in a honey mustard sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together equal parts honey, dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Heat the sauce over low heat until warm, then add the leftover salmon and gently toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
If you have a lot of leftover salmon, you can transform it into a delicious salmon salad. Flake the cold leftover salmon into a bowl and mix it with diced celery, red onion, and a dollop of mayonnaise. Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the salmon salad on a bed of mixed greens or as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.
Random Fact About Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
A random fact about this recipe is that cooking salmon in foil helps to lock in moisture and flavors, ensuring the fish remains tender and juicy. This method also makes cleanup easier, as the foil packet contains all the ingredients and juices.
Is Making Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil Economical for Home Cooking?
This honey mustard salmon in foil recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, salmon, can be pricey, but the other ingredients like honey, butter, and mustard are affordable and often already in the pantry. The use of garlic and lemon adds flavor without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The honey mustard salmon recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it does have some aspects that could be considered unhealthy. Here's a breakdown:
Unhealthy aspects:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and honey, which are high in saturated fat and sugar, respectively. Consuming too much of these ingredients can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
- The salmon is cooked in foil, which may not allow for proper ventilation and could result in the fish being steamed rather than baked, potentially leading to a loss of nutrients.
Healthy aspects:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
- The recipe includes whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard, which are lower in calories and fat compared to regular mustard.
- Garlic and lemon juice are used, both of which have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
- Use a lower amount of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or date syrup, which have a lower glycemic index.
- Instead of cooking the salmon in foil, try baking it on a lined baking sheet to allow for better air circulation and to prevent the fish from steaming.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve the salmon with a side of quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice to incorporate more whole grains into the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Salmon Recipe
This honey mustard salmon recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly balanced by the richness of butter and the zest of fresh lemon juice. The use of both whole grain and dijon mustard adds depth, while the garlic provides a savory undertone. Baking the salmon in foil ensures it remains moist and tender, and the final broil gives it a beautiful caramelized finish. Garnishing with fresh parsley and serving with lemon wedges adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Overall, it's a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil Recipe:
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard to create a delightful glaze for the salmon. The use of fresh lemon juice and garlic adds a burst of flavor, while the butter ensures a rich, moist texture. Baking in foil locks in all the juices, making the fish tender and flavorful. The final broil caramelizes the top, adding a perfect finish. Trust this recipe for a delicious, foolproof meal that impresses every time.
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