Description

Honey Mustard Salmon with Panko Crust features tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a golden, crunchy panko coating infused with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. This quick and easy baked dish balances crispy texture with rich, flavorful salmon, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Main Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

Honey Mustard Glaze

2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for variation)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Crust

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh chopped dill or parsley (for herb infusion)

To Finish

Fresh lemon juice, for squeezing before serving

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This sets you up for an easy, mess-free cooking process.
Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. This mixture brings a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors to your salmon.
Prepare the Panko Crust: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you want to add. Drizzle a little olive oil here to help the crust crisp up beautifully.
Coat the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry and brush each piece generously with the honey mustard glaze. Then, gently press the panko mixture onto the top of each fillet, creating an even, crunchy crust layer.
Bake to Perfection: Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and ensure the crust stays crispy.
Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute or two. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving will elevate the flavors even more.

Notes

Pat Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the crust stick better and become crispier.
Use Fresh Panko: Fresh breadcrumbs bake up crisper and lighter than stale ones.
Don’t Overbake: Salmon cooks quickly, so monitor closely to maintain juicy, flaky texture.
Brush, Don’t Drench: Apply the glaze in a thin but even layer to avoid sogginess under the crust.
Lemon Is Your Friend: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: salmon, honey mustard salmon, panko crust, baked salmon, gluten-free salmon, healthy dinner, weeknight meal