Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust
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This baked salmon with a crunchy topping takes just 20 minutes to make, yet it’s elegant enough for company.
This easy salmon dish takes a total of 20 minutes—10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook—yet tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s perfect for when you have company coming at the end of a long day (and you’re asking yourself, “What was I thinking?!”) or on a busy weeknight when you have to hit the kitchen running. Feel free to substitute another type of fish like cod, trout or striped bass.
To parents of picky eaters: if your kids are lukewarm on fish, I find that a crunchy coating is the best way to entice them, and you can omit the nuts if need be (or try my panko-topped baked salmon recipe with no nuts). Pair the salmon with a green vegetable and a starch (baked potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, couscous, or drop biscuits are all good options).
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need To Make Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard & Pecan-Panko Crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by combining the mustard, butter, honey, salt, and pepper to make the glaze.
Next, make the topping by mixing together the panko, pecans, and parsley.
Spoon the glaze over the salmon fillets.
Then press the pecan-panko mixture over top.
Bake for 7-10 minutes per inch of thickness, or until the salmon flakes when tested with a fork.
Enjoy!
Video Tutorial
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Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan Panko Crust
This baked salmon with a crunchy topping takes just 20 minutes to make, yet it’s elegant enough for company.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup panko
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley (optional, for color)
- 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets
- 1 lemon, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, melted butter, honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, mix together the panko, pecans, parsley (if using), and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Spoon the honey-mustard mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. (Don't worry if it drips down the sides a little.) Sprinkle the panko-pecan mixture over the glaze, pressing it lightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes per inch of thickness, depending on how well done you like your salmon. (If you find that the topping is browning more than you’d like before the fish is cooked through, loosely cover the salmon with foil.) Serve hot or at room temperature. (Note that if your salmon has skin, it may stick to the foil; to remove the fish from the pan, slide a thin spatula between the skin and the flesh, leaving the skin behind.)
- Make Ahead: The salmon can be glazed, coated with the panko-pecan mixture, and refrigerated up to 3 hours ahead of time.
Pair with
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (4 servings)
- Calories: 482
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Sodium: 467 mg
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Comments
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This recipe was INCREDIBLY easy, fast and absolutely delicious. I will definitely be making it again- great weeknight option, but would also make it for guests, it was that good!!
Would it be okay to pulse whole pecans in food processor? Or should it be done by hand?
I have partially dried basil, but no parsley…would that be an acceptable substitute?
Sure, P – that’s fine for both.
Hi Jenn,
I tried this recipe tonight. I grew up n the Oregon and any recipe with seafood I love trying. This is great just a couple of questions:
1. How far in advance can I assemble?
2. Any suggestions in getting the topping a bit brown. I notice one of your reviews they browned the Panko and nuts in butter first. Your thoughts.
Sorry for the lengthy question!
Happy New Years!!
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, I think you could assemble this up to a day ahead of time. And excellent idea to toast the panko ahead of time (I probably wouldn’t toast the pecans though, as they could burn if cooked twice.) Hope that helps!
This salmon recipe was easy and delicious. I paired by putting over sauteed spinach and shallots (inspired by photo), and serving with a side of leftover roasted potatoes and the best carrots/potatoes/onions I ever had from having cooked over a roasting chicken. Outstanding meal.
Would this work with another firm textured fish?
Sure!
This a great recipe
I have made this salmon several times and everyone has loved it !
This is a simple yet delicious recipe! Even my kids loved it. Will be making it again soon.
I needed a new salmon recipe, and this one melts in your mouth! This will become one of my regular dinner recipes. It’s quick and easy but looks fancy.
OMG, I cook salmon frequently but with your few little tweeks it made it a hit !
My husband is not a salmon fan, but he said lets have this again tomorrow !
Thanks Jen, you rock.
Allison
This preparation of salmon is fast, easy and absolutely delicious! I don’t change a thing. Add a bed of spinach and another vegetable and you’re done. Love it!