Succulent Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Zesty Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon Recipe: A Tangy Masterpiece

Seafood enthusiasts crave a salmon recipe with apricot dijon glaze that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

This mouthwatering dish balances sweet and tangy flavors in perfect harmony.

Tender salmon fillets absorb a luxurious glaze that caramelizes beautifully when baked.

The combination of ripe apricots and zesty dijon mustard creates a sensational coating that locks in moisture.

Each bite promises a delightful burst of complementary flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich, succulent salmon pairs wonderfully with the bright, slightly sharp glaze.

Serve this elegant meal to impress dinner guests or enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 332 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed For Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon

For The Glaze:
  • Apricot Preserves: Brings sweet, fruity depth that caramelizes beautifully and creates a luscious coating for the salmon.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy sharpness and helps bind the glaze with a sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Introduces rustic texture and robust mustard punch for complex taste layers.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides umami richness and balances the sweetness with a savory undertone.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the glaze with citrusy acidity and helps tenderize the fish.
  • Fresh Ginger: Delivers warm, spicy notes that complement the sweet and tangy elements.
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic intensity and depth to the glaze's flavor complexity.
For The Salmon:
  • Salmon Fillets: Select fresh, high-quality fillets with vibrant color and firm texture for best results.
  • Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and helps season the protein.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the salmon's rich profile.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness and visual appeal to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Offers a mild, crisp onion flavor and attractive green color for finishing.

Kitchen Tools For Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon

  • Whisk: Perfect for blending glaze ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Needed for mixing the apricot-Dijon glaze.
  • Baking sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents salmon from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Pastry brush or spoon: Great for spreading glaze over salmon.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure glaze ingredients.
  • Fork: Useful for checking salmon doneness.
  • Sharp knife: Optional for garnishing herbs.

How To Prepare Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon

  • Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

Whip up a tangy mixture by combining sweet apricot preserves with zesty Dijon mustard, adding layers of complex flavor that will make your salmon sing.

  • Prepare Salmon Surface

Gently dry salmon fillets and arrange them on a baking sheet, seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance natural fish taste.

  • Coat With Delicious Glaze

Generously brush the golden-brown apricot mixture across each salmon piece, ensuring every inch gets a delectable coating of sweet and savory goodness.

  • Bake To Perfection

Slide the salmon into a preheated oven and cook until the fish becomes perfectly flaky, with edges turning slightly crisp and glaze caramelizing beautifully.

  • Finish And Serve

Garnish with fresh green herbs, then plate alongside your favorite side dishes, transforming a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Cooking Tips For Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon

  • Perfect Glaze Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended glaze that coats the salmon evenly and maximizes flavor infusion.
  • Skin-on Salmon Tip: Keep the skin on during baking to help retain moisture and create a protective layer, making the fish more tender and preventing overcooking.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace apricot preserves with sugar-free apricot jam or use fresh pureed apricots to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the fruity flavor profile.
  • Quick Protein Alternatives: Swap salmon with chicken breasts or tofu for different dietary preferences, adjusting cooking time and ensuring the protein reaches safe internal temperature.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and saving preparation time on busy nights.

Serving Ideas For Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon

  • Vibrant Side Kick: Pair the salmon with coconut rice for a tropical twist that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy glaze.
  • Fresh Garden Companion: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich salmon flavors.
  • Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds on top for an unexpected crunch that elevates the dish's overall texture and presentation.
  • Wine Harmony: Choose a chilled Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc to match the bright, zesty notes of the apricot-Dijon glaze and cut through the salmon's richness.

How To Store Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon Properly

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container inside the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm salmon in a preheated oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the delicate fish.
  • Glaze Storage Solution: Keep extra apricot-Dijon glaze in a sealed glass jar inside the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Use as a quick marinade or sauce for future meals.
  • Meal Prep Approach: Prepare salmon glaze and season fillets in advance. Store seasoned salmon covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor infusion and simplify dinner preparation.
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Succulent Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon Recipe

Succulent Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon Recipe


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  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent apricot dijon glazed salmon delivers elegance to dinner tables with minimal effort. Zesty glaze caramelizes beautifully while keeping salmon moist, ensuring you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fillets salmon (6 oz/170 g)
  • 60 ml/¼ cup apricot preserves or jam
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp ginger, fresh and grated
  • 2 tsp garlic, grated
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Glaze Preparation: Whisk apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, lime juice, minced ginger, and crushed garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated, creating a vibrant, tangy coating.
  2. Salmon Preparation: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, arranging skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
  3. Glazing Process: Brush the prepared apricot-Dijon glaze evenly across each fillet, ensuring complete coverage to maximize flavor penetration and caramelization potential.
  4. Roasting Method: Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400F (200C) oven, roasting for 10-12 minutes until salmon reaches a perfect flaky consistency, then activate the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop a golden-brown exterior.
  5. Finishing Touches: Remove salmon from oven, allowing a brief resting period to stabilize internal juices, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant presentation.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like fragrant rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose High-Quality Salmon: Select fresh, high-grade salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy odor to ensure the best taste and texture.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon carefully during the last few minutes of cooking, as it can quickly dry out; aim for a slightly translucent center with a flaky texture.
  • Customize Glaze Intensity: Adjust the balance of apricot preserves and mustard to control sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising the rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 332
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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