When I first made this honey mustard salmon in foil recipe, I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it was. The combination of the sweet honey, tangy mustard, and perfectly roasted salmon simply blew me away.
I love recipes that come together quickly but feel like something from a fancy restaurant, and this is exactly that. What I appreciate the most is how little cleanup is involved thanks to cooking in foil. It’s become my go-to for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a cozy night in without spending hours in the kitchen.
Looking for another flavorful dinner idea? Check out The Best Ever Pastalaya Recipe for a hearty and satisfying meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need For Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil Recipe
To make this flavorful recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what I used and why they’re key to the dish.
- Salmon, boneless and skinless (about 2 pounds): Use fresh salmon for the best taste and texture. Frozen will work if completely thawed, but fresh is always better.
- Whole-grain mustard (1/3 cup): Adds a delightful texture and a tangy punch to the sauce.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Balances the sharpness of mustard with natural sweetness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses bold flavors into the sauce. Pre-minced can work in a pinch.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish and enhances the flavors of the mustard and honey.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky depth, taking the sauce to the next level.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Elevate the overall taste and season the salmon perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (1 tablespoon): Garnishes the finished dish with a fresh and herby touch.
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings when using a 2-pound salmon fillet.
Best Variations to Try
Get creative with this recipe by swapping or adding ingredients for various flavors or dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Sugar-Free: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or omit entirely.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for lime for a zestier flare.
- Herby Upgrade: Add dill or thyme for extra freshness.
Cooking Time
Here’s exactly how long to set aside for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
Prepare the following tools to make your cooking process smooth:
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for the aluminum foil packet while baking.
- Aluminum foil: Essential for sealing the salmon and sauce for mess-free cooking.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking the honey mustard sauce.
- Whisk or fork: To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic and parsley.
How to Make Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
This recipe breaks down into an easy-to-follow process. Get ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (or medium heat if grilling). While the oven is heating up, lay a long sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the whole-grain mustard, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be smooth, with tiny bits of mustard seeds for texture. Taste and adjust the honey or mustard to your liking.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Spoon the honey mustard mixture over the salmon and spread it evenly to cover the top completely. Be generous here; the sauce makes the dish. Once coated, fold the aluminum foil up and over the salmon to create a sealed packet. If your foil is too small, use an extra sheet.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Bake the salmon for 15-18 minutes. If you’re grilling, cook it for about 12-14 minutes. Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the salmon, so check for doneness a few minutes early. For a golden finish, open the foil packet in the last few minutes and broil the salmon lightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the salmon out of the oven or grill and carefully open the foil packet. Be cautious of the hot steam! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here’s what I learned from making this dish several times. These tips can help you get even better results:
- Go for wild-caught salmon if possible for a richer flavor and healthier option.
- Double the sauce if you like extra on the side for drizzling.
- Always keep an eye on salmon when broiling to avoid burning the sauce.
- Cook salmon to 145°F internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- For a non-stick experience, consider using parchment paper instead of foil.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil
This salmon is versatile and works with so many side dishes. Here are my favorites:
- Pair it with roasted green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Serve it over a bed of arugula or spinach for a light and fresh option.
- Add a carb, like mashed potatoes, quinoa, or garlic butter rice.
- For a fancier presentation, garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked salmon tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain moisture or use the microwave for a quicker fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has so much going for it! Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Mess-Free: Cooking in foil means no messy pans to scrub later.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your taste.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and omega-3s.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids will love this flavorful dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika or even a tiny dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook it in foil at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer reading of 145°F indicates perfect doneness.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes! This method works beautifully with cod, trout, or halibut as well.