If you’re craving a dish that is as impressive as it is delicious, let me introduce you to this Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe. It’s that golden combination of perfectly grilled salmon fillets paired with a tangy, creamy mustard sauce that simply melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with freshness and flavor, making it an ideal meal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for seafood seasons ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor, adding creaminess, or providing a fresh herbal aroma to brighten up the plate.
- Fresh Salmon fillets: Opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible to maximize flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: This helps keep the salmon moist and prevents sticking on the grill while adding a subtle richness.
- Salt: A classic seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the fish.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the zestiness of the mustard sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: The star of the sauce, offering a sharp and tangy base that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luscious texture in the sauce; coconut cream works well for dairy-free options.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice introduces a bright acidity that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: This herb provides a fragrant, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with salmon. Parsley or tarragon are good alternatives.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture — this ensures a nice sear on the grill. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, which helps keep the fish moist and adds a touch of richness. Season well with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dijon Mustard Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Use a whisk to blend everything until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the magic happens, bringing a zingy and silky element that perfectly complements the grilled salmon.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets into a shallow dish and pour half of the mustard sauce over them. Allow the salmon to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This brief rest time lets the flavors infuse deep into the fish, making each bite more flavorful while keeping the texture tender.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down onto the grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then carefully flip to the other side and grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. The salmon should be beautifully charred on the outside but juicy and flaky inside.
Step 5: Serve with the Remaining Dijon Mustard Sauce
Once grilled, transfer the salmon to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining mustard sauce. Garnish with extra dill for a lovely burst of color and fresh aroma. This finishing touch not only looks stunning but also adds a final boost of herbaceous flavor to the dish.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or chopped parsley add a bright, fresh contrast not only in flavor but visually too. A few lemon wedges on the side can also provide an optional zesty finish that guests can squeeze over their salmon for an extra lift.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted baby potatoes. These pairings complement the richness of the salmon without overpowering the delicate mustard sauce flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, you might plate the salmon atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Alternatively, serving it alongside grilled seasonal vegetables creates a vibrant and colorful plate that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled salmon and Dijon mustard sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon is best eaten within two days to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled salmon, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze without the sauce and prepare fresh sauce upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover salmon gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a covered skillet on the stove to avoid drying it out. Add the Dijon mustard sauce right before serving so it stays fresh and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with salmon, other firm fish like trout or sea bass can work well with the Dijon mustard sauce. Just adjust grilling times accordingly.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative that offers similar creaminess with a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the mustard and herbs.
How do I know when the salmon is done on the grill?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist inside. Generally, grilling skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flipping for 3-4 minutes achieves perfect doneness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Dijon mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before serving as it may thicken slightly.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh dill adds a lovely bright note, but you can substitute with parsley or tarragon. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the delicate sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It captures everything you want in a weeknight meal — wholesome, elegant, and bursting with character. Give it a try for yourself, and I promise it will become a cherished recipe in your culinary rotation. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
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Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce recipe combines tender, wild-caught salmon fillets grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy Dijon mustard sauce infused with fresh herbs and garlic. It’s a simple yet elegant dish ideal for a healthy, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 fillets Fresh Salmon (wild-caught recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for grilling)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)
Dijon Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill (can substitute with parsley or tarragon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides evenly with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the Dijon mustard sauce over them. Ensure the salmon is coated well and allow it to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is slightly crisp and the salmon starts to cook through. Flip the fillets carefully and grill for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked but still moist inside.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining Dijon mustard sauce over the top and garnish with additional fresh dill for a bright and fresh finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in the sauce.
- Be sure to preheat and oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- If you do not have fresh dill, parsley or tarragon make excellent alternatives.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
