Broiled Salmon With Mustard and Lemon

Published June 22, 2022

Total Time: 15 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 skin-on salmon fillets, 6–8 ounces each, 1 inch thick (uniform thickness for even cooking)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal; adjust to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper (generous grind, ~2–3 turns per fillet)

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Broiler and Prep the Baking Surface

Position an oven rack 6 inches below the broiler element (adjust for your oven’s broiler height). Preheat the broiler to high (500–550°F). Line a sheet pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil (silicone mats and parchment are not recommended under the broiler due to melting/charring risks). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels (aids seasoning adhesion). Season the flesh side (not the skin) with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; place fillets skin-side down on the foil-lined pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Mustard-Olive Oil Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and Dijon mustard until fully emulsified (smooth, no streaks). This glaze seals moisture and creates a crisp, tangy crust during broiling.

Step 3: Broil to Perfection

Brush the entire top and sides of the salmon fillets with the mustard-oil mixture. Return the pan to the oven rack and broil for 6–8 minutes (medium-rare: center dark pink, internal temp ~125°F). For thinner fillets (<1 inch), reduce to 5–6 minutes; for thicker fillets (1.25 inches) or well-done (internal temp ~145°F), extend by 1–2 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid over-browning.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the pan from the oven; the salmon should have an opaque, golden-brown crust. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the fillets. Serve with extra lemon wedges for guests to customize.

Chef’s Tips & Community Variations

• Foil-Free Flavor Hack: Place lemon slices under the salmon (peeled or unpeeled) to infuse citrus notes and simplify cleanup (drippings are absorbed by the lemon).

• Thick Fillets Fix: For 1.25-inch fillets, preheat oven to 450°F, bake salmon (skin-side down) for 4–5 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes to crisp the top while keeping the center moist.

• Temperature Guide: Use a meat thermometer—after the 4–5 minute bake, broil until internal temp hits 145°F (safe, moist doneness).

• Air Fryer Alternative: Mist the air fryer basket with non-stick spray, brush salmon with Dijon mustard + brown sugar paste (1 tsp sugar/fillet), and air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes (adjust for your model).

• Salt Adjustment: Reduce kosher salt to ¼ teaspoon for balanced saltiness; taste and adjust further.

Total Time includes prep, cooking, and optional tips. For optimal results, follow the 6–8 minute broil window for medium-rare; adjust timing for thickness.