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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Modified: May 30, 2025 · Published: Apr 22, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon (Baked, Juicy & Ready in 15 Minutes)

Jump to Recipe
Close up view of finished salmon on white platter topped with chopped parsley.
Overhead view of salmon on white platter by small bowls of salt and parsley.
Close up view of salmon on white plate with fork in it.
Close up view of salmon fillets on white platter surrounded by other props.
Two finished photos of salmon on pin with text overlay.
Four process photos to make salmon on pin with text overlay.
Close up view of finished salmon on white platter topped with chopped parsley.

This Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Salmon is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor. Made with just five simple ingredients, it bakes to perfection in under 20 minutes. The result is tender, flaky salmon with a golden glaze that adds just the right balance of richness and brightness.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal, this easy salmon recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.

Before You Bake, Read This!

💬 The Vibe: A bold, flavorful salmon dinner with a caramelized glaze and minimal effort.

🔑 What You Gotta Know: Bake it on the top rack, uncovered, so the glaze can develop a nice golden crust.

🍽️ Best Bite Alert: Pair it with garlicky greens or roasted veggies for a bright, complete meal.

Overhead view of finished salmon fillets on white platter by small bowls of salt and parsley.

Why You'll Love This Salmon Recipe

  • Only 5 ingredients.
  • Oven-baked and beginner-friendly.
  • Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Sweet and savory flavor combo.
  • Perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make salmon in separate bowls on marble surface.
  1. Salmon – Use a whole skin-on fillet or individual salmon portions.
  2. Dijon Mustard – Adds tangy depth and balances the sweetness.
  3. Brown Sugar – Caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
  4. Salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the fish.
  5. Black Pepper – Adds a subtle bite and seasoning balance.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Salmon

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and adjust the rack to the upper third position.

2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and brown sugar until smooth.

Brown sugar and dijon mustard added to small glass bowl.
Overhead view of glaze in small glass bowl by a whisk.

3. Prep the Salmon: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with oil. Place the salmon skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper.

Overhead view of seasoned salmon on foil lined baking sheet.

4. Add the Glaze: Spread the brown sugar mustard glaze evenly over the top of the salmon.

Overhead view of glazed topped salmon fillets on foil lined baking sheet.

5. Bake: Roast in the upper part of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Overhead view of baked salmon on foil lined baking sheet.

6. Rest and Serve: Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Close up view of finished salmon on white platter topped with parsley.

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What to Serve With It

  • Oven Roasted Broccoli
  • Sauteed Garlic Spinach
  • Garlic Green Beans
  • Southern Mac and Cheese
  • Lemon Pasta Salad
  • Mexican Corn Pasta Salad

Storage & Reheating

  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, or enjoy cold flaked over a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cover the salmon while baking?

Nope! Keeping it uncovered helps create a slightly crisp glaze.

How do I know when it’s done?

It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Look for an internal temperature of 125–130°F.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

Close up view of salmon on a white plate with a fork in it.

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Got a question or a favorite way to serve this salmon recipe? Drop it in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

📖 Recipe

Close up view of finished salmon on white platter topped with chopped parsley.

Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon

LaKita Anderson
This Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon is sweet, tangy, and perfectly baked in under 20 minutes. Made with just 5 ingredients, it’s a quick and flavorful dinner staple.
4.64 from 55 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Video

Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Resting Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sheet pan
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pound salmon fillet (skin-on or portions)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the top half of the oven.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon brown sugar until combined. Set aside.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the salmon skin-side down. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Spread the glaze evenly over the salmon.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon: It helps the fillet hold together and keeps it moist while baking.
  • Pat the salmon dry: This ensures the glaze sticks better and creates a more caramelized finish.
  • Don't overbake: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
  • Line your pan: Foil makes cleanup quick and keeps the glaze from sticking.
Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 23gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 383mgPotassium: 567mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword brown sugar dijon glazed salmon, brown sugar dijon salmon
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 02/19/2020. Updated 04/22/2025.

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Comments

    4.64 from 55 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Malak says

    April 29, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    I made the Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon, and it was amazing! So juicy, flavorful, and really did come together in just 15 minutes. Everyone in my family loved it. This one’s going into our regular dinner rotation—thank you for such a great recipe!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      May 29, 2025 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you for the awesome review! I'm so glad to hear the Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon was a hit with your family. It's always a win when a recipe makes it into the regular rotation! 😊🍣 Thanks for trying it out!

      Reply
  2. Jp says

    February 15, 2024 at 10:28 pm

    Did you know there's two kinds of brown sugar?? Do you use dark or light??????

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 21, 2024 at 7:26 pm

      I'm aware, if it's not specified, then feel free to use either.

      Reply
  3. Pat says

    March 05, 2022 at 1:14 pm

    5 stars
    The salmon was so delicious and it came out perfectly cooked. The brown sugar/Dijon mustard combo made it so tasty. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 07, 2022 at 10:39 am

      Thank you so much Pat!!

      Reply
  4. Becky says

    August 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Can you use pork chops instead of salmon for this recipe? If so what would be the oven temperature for thin bone in pork chops?

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 17, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      I have not ever tried substituting pork chops for this recipe, sorry!

      Reply
  5. Stefanie says

    July 11, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and tasty! I used regular mustard because I didn't have Dijon on hand and it still turned out well.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 12, 2021 at 12:26 pm

      Glad to hear Stefanie and that regular mustard worked as well!!

      Reply
  6. Tracey says

    October 19, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    Simply amazing! Thank you Lakita.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      October 21, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Thank you Tracey!

      Reply
  7. capri says

    February 26, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    5 stars
    I love a good salmon recipe! This is perfect!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 27, 2020 at 5:23 pm

      Thank you Capri!

      Reply
  8. Kaluhi says

    February 24, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    I can literally taste this by just reading it! Absolutely stellar!!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 25, 2020 at 10:34 am

      Thank you Kaluhi!

      Reply
  9. Mila says

    February 24, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    You had a beautiful canvas, and a great recipe here. I love this twist on salmon - I'm always trying to make it a little more exciting. You've talked me into giving this a try!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 25, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Thank you! The salmon was a beauty!

      Reply
  10. Jazz says

    February 24, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    5 stars
    This salmon not only looks perfect but the flavors are perfection.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 25, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Thank you so much Jazz!

      Reply
  11. Prince Joseph says

    February 23, 2020 at 12:31 am

    5 stars
    I have tried this and it was amazing dish I have ever made in a week.
    Thank you LaKita.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 23, 2020 at 11:16 am

      Thank you!! So glad that you gave them a try!

      Reply
  12. Jayne Rain says

    February 22, 2020 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    Salmon is one of my favorite things to whip up and I love this recipe. I will be trying it soon.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      Thank you Jayne! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  13. Katrina Adams says

    February 22, 2020 at 8:07 am

    5 stars
    This salmon looks delicious LaKita!! I would add some rice and a green vegetable and make a meal!!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 22, 2020 at 9:23 am

      Thank you! That is exactly how I love to serve it as well!

      Reply
  14. Adri says

    February 21, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    5 stars
    This salmon looks so good and cooked to perfection. This will be on the table come Sunday afternoon!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 22, 2020 at 9:22 am

      Thank you! I'm sure you will love it!

      Reply
  15. Tamara J. says

    February 21, 2020 at 8:07 am

    5 stars
    We are always searching for new salmon recipes, and this is one we hadn’t tried! That glaze is PERFECT for salmon! It comes out so tender and juicy, and full of flavor.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 22, 2020 at 9:20 am

      Thank you! The glaze really makes the salmon even better.

      Reply
    • Donya Schoss says

      April 16, 2022 at 11:51 am

      Hi I was wondering if could cook the Salomon on the grill instead of the oven?

      Reply
      • LaKita says

        April 19, 2022 at 2:22 pm

        Hi Donya! Yes, you can cook the salmon on the grill as well.

        Reply
  16. Desirée says

    February 20, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    5 stars
    I love how brown sugar can be paired with savory dishes like this!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2020 at 10:56 pm

      Thank you! Yes, it blends so well with the mustard.

      Reply
  17. Aline says

    February 20, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe last night and it was amazing!! Just found my new go-to recipe right here - so easy to make and delicious!! Thanks!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      Thank you! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  18. Marta says

    February 19, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh, I'm so mad at you! I have been craving salmon forever and now you're just playing with my emotions with this amazing recipe!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2020 at 10:55 pm

      My bad! Perhaps take it as a sign that it is time for you to give salmon a try 😉

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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