Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme
Tender salmon fillets baked with a glossy maple syrup and Dijon mustard coating, accented with fresh thyme for a fragrant finish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (5 oz each) salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 4 salmon fillets (5 oz each) skin-side down on it. Season each fillet with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until combined.
- Step 3: Brush the maple-mustard mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the glaze is caramelized and glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional thyme if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Maple-Glazed Salmon with Mustard and Thyme?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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