Salmon with Pumpkin Honey Mustard Glaze

Skinless salmon fillets are coated with pumpkin honey mustard and broiled for a quick, flavourful dinner. Choose the direct-to-broiler method for simplicity, or sear the fish first for extra browning.
Ingredients
- 2skinless salmon fillets
- 45 ml (3 tablespoons)pumpkin honey mustard
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon)extra-virgin olive oil
- to tastesalt and black pepper
- a few dashesgarlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Season the salmon
Place the salmon in a baking dish suitable for the grill. Season both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- 2
Sear, then grill
For the seared method, heat the olive oil in a pan and sear the salmon for 1 minute on each side. Transfer it to the baking dish, spread the pumpkin honey mustard over the fish, then grill with the dish 15 cm (6 inches) from the heat for about 13 minutes.
- 3
Grill directly
For the easier method, place the salmon in a grill pan and spread the pumpkin honey mustard over the top. Grill with the fish 15 cm (6 inches) from the heat for about 15 minutes.
What is salmon with pumpkin honey mustard glaze?
This is a simple contemporary salmon dish rather than a traditional preparation tied to a particular region. Its defining feature is a sweet-and-tangy pumpkin honey mustard coating, which brings seasoning and flavour to the fish in one step.
The recipe offers two routes: sear the salmon before grilling, or put it straight under the grill. Both keep the ingredient list short and make it practical for a weeknight meal.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 430 calories, 41g protein, 7g carbs, 26g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Serve with extra vegetables | 301 kcal | 29g | 5g | 18g |
| This serving | As written | 430 kcal | 41g | 7g | 26g |
| Hungry | Add potatoes or rice | 645 kcal | 62g | 11g | 39g |
Salmon supplies most of the protein and fat, while the honey mustard contributes some carbohydrate and sugar; the olive oil adds a small amount of fat in the seared method. Pair a fillet with vegetables and a measured portion of potatoes or rice for a balanced plate.
Choosing the mustard
Pumpkin honey mustard: use the named condiment for the recipe's particular sweet, savoury flavour. Since the amount is modest, it coats the fish rather than forming a thick crust.
Salmon: skinless fillets are easy to season on both sides and glaze on top. Fillets of similar thickness are helpful so they cook at a similar rate.
The two cooking methods
Searing first: give each side 1 minute in the pan, then transfer the fish to the baking dish and add the mustard. This route adds a little browning before the salmon finishes under the grill.
Direct grilling: put the fish in a grill pan, glaze it and cook it without searing. It is the simpler option and takes about 15 minutes under the heat.
How to judge doneness
Grill position: keep the dish about 15 cm (6 inches) from the heat, as directed. The cooking times are about 13 minutes after searing or about 15 minutes for the direct method.
Check the thickest part before serving, as fillet thickness and grill strength can affect the timing. The fish should be opaque and should separate into flakes when gently tested with a fork.
Seasoning and glaze
Even seasoning: add salt, pepper and garlic powder to both sides before cooking. The mustard goes on top, so take care not to leave the underside unseasoned.
Glaze coverage: spread the 45 ml of mustard across the top of the fillets. A fairly even layer helps each portion get some of its sweet, tangy flavour.
What to serve with it
Vegetables: serve the salmon with green vegetables or a crisp salad for freshness alongside the rich fish and glaze.
A filling side: boiled or roasted potatoes, rice or another grain can make the meal more substantial. Keep the sides simply seasoned so they do not compete with the mustard.
Recipe notes & tips
- Use a grill-safe baking dish or grill pan before placing it close to the heat.
- Season both sides of the salmon, but spread the mustard over the top.
- If using the seared method, transfer the fish to the baking dish before adding the glaze.
- Keep the fillets in a single layer so the heat reaches them evenly.
- Check the thickest part near the end of cooking, especially if the fillets are thinner than usual.
Variations
- Add lemon: serve with a squeeze of lemon for a bright contrast to the sweet mustard.
- Use fresh garlic: replace the garlic powder with a little finely grated garlic.
- Add herbs: scatter chopped dill or parsley over the salmon after cooking.
- Serve with greens: pair the fish with steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Make it a bowl: flake the cooked salmon over rice with vegetables.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the seasoning: season both sides of the fish before adding the glaze.
- Using a non-grill-safe dish: check that the dish is suitable for the grill before cooking.
- Putting the dish too close to the heat: keep it about 15 cm (6 inches) away as directed.
- Relying only on the timer: check the thickest part because fillet thickness and grill strength vary.
- Adding the glaze before searing: sear the fish first, then transfer it and apply the mustard.
How to store
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat within 2 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout, taking care not to dry out the salmon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I skip searing the salmon?
Yes. Use the direct method: place the salmon in a grill pan, add the mustard and grill for about 15 minutes with the fish 15 cm (6 inches) from the heat.
Do I need to turn the salmon while grilling?
The recipe does not call for turning during the grilling stage. For the seared method, turn the fish once during the initial pan sear.
Can I use salmon with the skin on?
The recipe specifies skinless fillets. Skin-on salmon may cook differently, so check the thickest part for doneness rather than relying only on the stated time.
How can I tell when the salmon is cooked?
Check the thickest part: it should be opaque and flake when gently tested with a fork. Begin checking towards the end of the stated cooking time.
What can I serve with this salmon?
Green vegetables or salad work well, and potatoes or rice make the meal more filling.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from spoonabilities.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on spoonabilities.com