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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Maple Dijon Salmon

    October 6, 2020 by Chenée Lewis

    1.9K shares
    Easy Maple-Dijon Salmon with Skin, Pan Seared in Cast Iron | Chenée Today

    Best Maple Dijon Salmon recipe ever -- pan-seared salmon with an easy, flavorful sauce! You'll have it on the table in just a few minutes and it's SO good! This easy maple dijon salmon (air fryer option) is sure to be one of your new favorite winter dinner recipes!

    cast iron salmon on a plate with lentils.
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    If you like this recipe, try my Ricotta Lemon Pasta, my Shrimp Macaroni Salad With Cajun Spices, or my Paleo Chicken Thigh Recipe with Roasted Vegetables!

    Maple Salmon Recipe

    I do a lot of baking, but even I have to take a break from sweets and eat a real meal every once in a while. And this maple dijon salmon pan-seared in a delicious sauce is just that -- a REAL meal! It's so easy to make and the flavors in the maple mustard sauce are SO perfect. Trust me, it is the perfect way to upgrade your dinnertime any night of the week!

    I love to make easy salmon recipes -- oven-baked, grilled, broiled, or poached. And it's all delicious! But this cast iron skillet salmon recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon. It's quick and easy, it's gluten free, and that maple mustard sauce is OUT OF THIS WORLD. And best of all, the salmon is pan-seared to get that crisp outer crust!

    Jump to:
    • Maple Salmon Recipe
    • Pan-searing your salmon
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • How long to cook salmon on cast iron
    • Maple Dijon Salmon (Air Fryer)
    • Tips and Serving Ideas
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Pan-searing your salmon

    When you have salmon in the fridge and are wondering what to do with it, allow me to recommend that you grab your cast iron pan and sear that salmon!

    This maple mustard salmon recipe is the perfect example -- you just need to sear your salmon in a hot skillet, then make the easy sauce, and then bring the two together! I love searing salmon at a high temperature because it's a cooking method that gives you that great seared texture and you can keep your eye on the salmon to make sure that it doesn't overcook.

    I recommend using a cast-iron skillet to be sure that you get the sear nice and golden brown, but any pan that you like will work. I've also made this salmon using a nonstick sauté pan.

    Ingredients

    This simple cast iron maple mustard salmon recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients! I love how easy it is to make, and you will too! Here's what you'll need:

    • olive oil - or avocado oil, or the vegetable oil of your choice. This is what you'll use to sear your salmon. Just heat it up in your skillet while you season your salmon!
    • salt and pepper - add to taste before you sear your salmon.
    • salmon filets - I used 4-ounce skin on center-cut filets. If you use a different size or shape of salmon filet you may have to watch a little more closely and adjust the cook time accordingly. If you're looking for another yummy fish recipe, try this baked walleye!
    • dijon mustard - the base for the sauce for our maple mustard salmon! Mustard adds so much flavor without adding any calories! It's so great to cook with to add a little zest to your recipes. You can use whole grain Dijon mustard or plain Dijon mustard.
    • fresh garlic - definitely use fresh garlic (as opposed to jarred minced garlic or garlic powder). To make it easier, I like to use a garlic press to avoid having to mince it myself, and to minimize touching the garlic with my hands. If you like fresh garlic, you'll love my Cottage Cheese Alfredo!
    • red pepper flakes - I add red pepper flakes to almost all my meals -- I love spicy food, and to me a dish doesn't taste right if it doesn't have at least a little spice. You can omit the chili flakes entirely, or add them to your preference!
    • pure maple syrup - we'll use a touch of maple syrup in our maple glaze. The sweet maple flavor works with the tangy dijon mustard to make our maple mustard salmon what it is meant to be! The flavors are perfect together, and I love that real maple syrup is an unrefined sugar!
    • water - we'll use a little water to thin our our sauce -- it'll reduce a bit in the pan, so adding extra water now keeps it from getting too thick.
    • butter - I like adding a little butter when I'm making this maple dijon sauce. It's the easiest way to give it a little richness and create a silky texture. It brings the sauce for this maple mustard salmon together so well!
    Maple Dijon Salmon in a cast iron skillet with sauce on top.

    Equipment

    As I've mentioned, the most important tool to get the most out of this salmon is a cast-iron skillet. Cast-iron is the best pan to help you get your salmon pan seared with that brown, crispy crust that looks great and tastes amazing. But if you only have nonstick or stainless steel, those work too!

    Other than that, you'll only need a small whisk to whip up your sauce and my favorite garlic press to make prep super quick! I also like to use a fish spatula because it's the best way to flip and serve my tender salmon.

    You'll also want an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the salmon to make sure that it's at least 125°F.

    How long to cook salmon on cast iron

    This cast iron salmon recipe is ready in just a few minutes! Because it's completely cooked in the pan, the start to finish cooking time is only about 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet! And that includes whipping up your sauce! Scroll down to see the recipe card for the full instructions, but here are the basic steps for this flavorful fish:

    1. Start by heating your large cast iron skillet until hot. Let it get nice and hot, then add oil.
    2. Add your salmon skin side up into your hot cast iron skillet and cook a few minutes. While the salmon cooks, whisk together the ingredients for your sauce in a small bowl.
    3. Flip the salmon and add the sauce to the pan along with the butter. Baste salmon with a spoon until cooked through and internal temperature measures 145 degrees F.
    4. Store your leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

    Maple Dijon Salmon (Air Fryer)

    You can definitely use the air fryer for this maple dijon salmon recipe! You'll want to combine the sauce ingredients and use it to marinate your salmon for at least 30 minutes to overnight. Then air fry your salmon at 400 for about 8 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees F.

    Tips and Serving Ideas

    Alternative pan options: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a stainless steel pan or a nonstick skillet. If you use stainless steel, just be sure you have a fully hot pan before adding oil.  The browning results with cast-iron will be better, but the salmon will still be delicious in whatever pan you use!

    Pat your salmon dry: This is an important step to get that crispy skin and seared crust -- the best part of your maple dijon salmon! Pat your salmon dry with a paper towel before seasoning it so that the oil in the pan can brown it up nicely.

    Atlantic (farm-raised salmon) vs. Alaskan wild salmon: I made this maple dijon salmon recipe using Atlantic salmon, which has a higher fat content than wild-caught salmon. Cooking salmon can be tricky -- if you make it with Alaskan or sockeye salmon, or another type of salmon with a lower fat content, you'll need to adjust the cook time and watch carefully so that you don't end up with dry salmon.

    Serving ideas: To let the flavors in this maple-dijon salmon shine, my favorite side dish is a hearty rice pilaf and veggies like Instant Pot Green Beans, or try this rice cooker coconut rice. I also love to make it a delicious dinner with cooked lentils, quinoa, or sweet potatoes! Let me know how you served this delicious cast-iron skillet salmon in the comments below!

    Related Recipes

    This maple dijon salmon is the perfect weeknight dinner, but if you're looking for another fantastic dinner option, check out my Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Kale or this Fried Walleye!

    Another super-quick stovetop seafood dish that I LOVE is my New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp. It's based on the classic New-Orleans dish, which isn't barbecue in the typical sense -- instead, it's jumbo shrimp sautéed in a savory, buttery sauce with beer and fresh lemon juice. It's perfect with some crusty bread or over rice!

    Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Kale

    And if you love sheet pan meals, be sure to try my Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies!

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    📖 Recipe

    cast iron salmon on a plate with lentils.

    Easy Maple Dijon Salmon Recipe (Air Fryer Option)

    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Best Maple Dijon Salmon recipe ever -- pan-seared salmon with an easy, flavorful sauce! You'll have it on the table in just a few minutes and it's SO good! This easy maple dijon salmon (air fryer option) is sure to be one of your new favorite winter dinner recipes!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 2 filets
    Calories: 427kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
    • whisk
    • heat-proof spatula

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ¼ cup dijon mustard
    • 2 cloves garlic - minced
    • 2 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - adjust to your preferred spice level
    • 2 4-oz. salmon filets - skin on
    • salt and fresh cracked pepper - to taste
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

    Instructions

    • Pat salmon dry and season liberally on both sides with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
    • Preheat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow oil to heat fully.
    • Place salmon filets, skin side up, in hot oil. Allow to cook for about 3 min or flesh is crispy and a deep golden brown.
    • In the meantime, whisk together garlic, dijon mustard, maple syrup, water, and red pepper flakes.
    • Flip salmon and sauce to pan. Add butter, and baste salmon with a spoon another 3-4 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Serve warm with sauce spooned over salmon.
    Last Step!Click here to leave a review and a star rating! It helps spread the word and allows me to keep sharing free recipes! 🥰

    Notes

    Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the salmon - it's done when it reads 125 degrees F.
    Alternative pan options: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a stainless steel pan (be sure to heat the pan fully before adding oil) or a nonstick frying pan.  The browning results with cast-iron will be better, but the salmon will still be delicious in whatever pan you use!
    Pat your salmon dry: This is an important step to get that crispy seared crust on your salmon. make sure your salmon is fully dry before seasoning it so that the oil in the pan can brown it up nicely.
    Atlantic (farm-raised) vs. Alaskan (wild-caught) salmon: I made this recipe using Atlantic salmon, which has a higher fat content than wild-caught salmon. If you make it with Alaskan salmon, you'll need to adjust the cook time and watch carefully that the salmon doesn't dry out.
    Maple Dijon Salmon (Air Fryer): You can definitely use the air fryer for this maple dijon salmon recipe! You'll want to combine the sauce ingredients and use it to marinate your salmon for at least 30 minutes to overnight. Then air fry your salmon at 400 for about 8 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees F.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 filet | Calories: 427 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 450 mg | Potassium: 572 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 18 g | Calcium: 87 mg | Iron: 2 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

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    Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Chenée Lewis

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    1.9K shares

    Comments

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    1. Shari says

      July 07, 2024 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe tonight. It was amazing!! I didn't add any water to the sauce, I added e few splashes of soy sauce instead. My family said it was the best salmon I've ever made. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        July 08, 2024 at 9:40 am

        Soy sauce is a great idea! So glad your family loved it!

        Reply
    2. Nikki says

      September 01, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      Can I have the recipe for the lentils?

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        January 30, 2024 at 5:53 pm

        I used packaged pre-made lentils to go with this salmon 🙂

        Reply
    3. Bill says

      April 21, 2022 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      I've cooked a lot of salmon over the years and my wife says this is her favorite!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        May 17, 2022 at 2:04 am

        That makes my day! This is definitely my favorite way to make salmon. I love how easy it is!

        Reply
    4. Lacie says

      April 27, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delish! You’ll definitely make this part of your regular meal rotation!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        April 28, 2021 at 7:17 am

        Thank you so much! And yes it's definitely my go-to salmon!

        Reply
    5. Deanna says

      February 05, 2021 at 10:57 pm

      5 stars
      This will definitely be a regular weeknight dinner in our house! So delicious and easy !

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        February 09, 2021 at 9:23 am

        So glad you hear you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Michelle says

      October 21, 2020 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      I love maple with salmon and the dijon mustard adds just the right amount of kick.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2020 at 8:57 pm

        It's a great combination! Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Dionne says

      October 20, 2020 at 9:53 pm

      5 stars
      It is quite simple - I see salmon in the title, I leave 5 stars - that's how much I love it LOL But if seriously, this recipe looks absolutely delicious - can't wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2020 at 8:53 pm

        I think this recipe is worth all 5 of them! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    8. Angela says

      October 20, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      5 stars
      Such a simple and delicious way to prepare salmon! Love the flavors of the maple and dijon. Perfect weeknight dinner recipe. YUM!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 27, 2020 at 4:33 am

        Thanks! I love the combination of flavors.

        Reply
    9. Irina says

      October 20, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      OMG! I love your salmon recipe: easy to make and delicious to taste!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2020 at 8:54 pm

        It really is! Thanks for trying it out!

        Reply
    10. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      October 20, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love all the flavors here, I already know I’m going to enjoy this recipe a lot!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 25, 2020 at 8:48 pm

        I hope you enjoy! Let me know how it goes for you 🙂

        Reply
    11. Karema Latouch says

      October 08, 2020 at 12:08 am

      I can't cook but this made me wish I could. Lol

      I've never eaten salmon though, is it really good?

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis says

        October 12, 2020 at 4:39 am

        Salmon is so delicious!! If you decide to try salmon give this recipe a try! It's pretty easy 🙂

        Reply
    Easy Maple-Dijon Salmon with Skin, Pan Seared in Cast Iron | Chenée Today

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking and cooking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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