Description
This Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce is a flavorful and healthy main course featuring tender salmon fillets seared and baked to perfection, then topped with a creamy, tangy lemon dijon sauce. The sauce combines Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, honey, and cream for a perfect balance of zest and richness. Garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a nutritious dinner paired with roasted vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Dijon Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Evenly season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each salmon fillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are lightly golden and have a nice crust.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the skillet with the seared salmon directly to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, ensuring it is fully cooked but still moist.
- Prepare the Lemon Dijon Sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant to infuse the sauce.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Then reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream gently.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, producing a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, spoon the warm lemon Dijon sauce generously over each fillet, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or steamed rice to complete the meal.
- Ensure the skillet you use for searing is oven-safe to avoid transferring the salmon to another dish before baking.
- Do not overcook the salmon to maintain its moist and tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American