Succulent Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe

Zesty Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe for Fish Lovers

Tender salmon meets a luxurious herb and Dijon crust that promises a culinary adventure on your plate.

Packed with vibrant flavors, this Dijon herb crusted salmon recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to perfectly flaky fish that melts in your mouth.

Herbs and tangy Dijon mustard create a zesty coating that infuses every bite with incredible depth.

Each forkful brings a harmonious blend of crisp texture and rich, savory notes.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

You’ll love how quickly this elegant salmon comes together for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon

For Protein Base:
  • Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon delivers rich omega-3 nutrients and provides a perfect canvas for herb-infused coating.
For Herb and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise: Creates a tangy, creamy base that helps herbs adhere to salmon while adding complex depth.
  • Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs bring bright, green notes and elevate the salmon's natural maritime flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic undertones that complement the fish's delicate texture.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Introduces citrusy brightness and helps tenderize the salmon.
  • Capers: Provides briny, salty bursts that cut through the fish's richness.
For Seasoning and Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute heat evenly and adds subtle fruity undertones.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

Equipment to Perfect Dijon Herb Salmon at Home

  • Baking sheet: Large, rimmed sheet for even cooking and easy cleanup.
  • Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing salmon simple.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients together.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately portion salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
  • Fork: Used to check salmon's doneness and flaking.
  • Zester or grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for extra flavor.
  • Knife: Necessary for preparing ingredients and zesting lemon.
  • Spatula: Optional tool for spreading marinade evenly on salmon.

Instructions for Making Herb-Crusted Dijon Salmon

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a high temperature and line a baking sheet with a non-stick surface for easy cleanup.

  • Salmon Positioning

Arrange salmon pieces on the sheet with the skin facing downward, creating a neat presentation.

  • Flavor Blend

Create a zesty coating by mixing tangy condiments, fresh herbs, aromatic seasonings, and bright citrus elements.

  • Marinade Application

Lavishly coat the salmon’s surface with the herb-infused mixture, ensuring full flavor coverage.

  • Baking Process

Cook the salmon until it reaches a perfect, delicate texture that gently separates when touched with a utensil, typically taking around 12-15 minutes.

Cooking Tips for a Juicy Crusted Salmon Fillet

  • Replace traditional Dijon mustard with whole grain or spicy brown mustard for a more robust and tangy crust that adds extra depth to the dish.
  • Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the herb mixture before baking to achieve a delightful crunch that elevates the salmon's texture.
  • Check salmon's doneness early, as thinner fillets might cook faster and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry and tough.
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad to balance the rich, herbal flavors of the salmon.

How to Plate and Serve Dijon Herb Salmon

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, herby salmon and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Create Mediterranean Plate: Complement the Dijon herb salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and a side of quinoa or couscous for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Garnish with Bright Citrus: Top the salmon with fresh lemon wedges, extra chopped dill or parsley, and a sprinkle of capers to enhance the dish's zesty and herbal notes.
  • Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pour a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to elevate the salmon's delicate flavors and cut through its creamy herb crust.

Proper Storage Tips for Crusted Salmon

  • Maximize Freshness: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, maintaining its delicate moisture and flavor.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to store for up to 2 months, ideal for future meal prep.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare the herb mixture a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before coating the salmon for maximum deliciousness.
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Succulent Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe

Succulent Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Dijon herb crusted salmon delights seafood enthusiasts with its perfect blend of tangy mustard and aromatic herbs. Mediterranean-inspired flavors elevate this elegant dish, promising a delectable experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) salmon fillets, King, Sockeye or Coho, skin off or on
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps capers
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Heat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper for seamless cooking and easy cleanup.
  2. Salmon Positioning: Place salmon fillets skin-side down, ensuring optimal heat distribution and even cooking throughout the fish.
  3. Herbed Marinade Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and capers in a mixing bowl until ingredients form a harmonious, aromatic blend.
  4. Coating and Flavor Infusion: Lavishly brush the herb-mustard mixture over salmon fillets, completely covering the surface to maximize flavor penetration and create a luscious, golden crust.
  5. Roasting and Doneness: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) and can be effortlessly flaked with a fork, signaling perfect culinary execution.

Notes

  • Mustard Magic: The combination of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise creates a creamy, tangy coating that locks in moisture and adds incredible depth of flavor to the salmon.
  • Temperature Precision: Using an instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time, preventing overcooking and maintaining the fish’s delicate texture.
  • Herb Freshness Matters: Choose fresh dill or parsley to elevate the marinade’s brightness and provide a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.
  • Skin-Side Down Technique: Placing salmon skin-side down helps protect the delicate flesh and promotes even cooking, resulting in a moist and tender final product.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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