Make Ahead Mustard Crusted Salmon

You can’t go wrong with salmon when searching for a simple seafood dinner idea! And with its tangy sauce and crunchy coating, mustard crusted salmon is an easy recipe that tastes complicated. On top of being packed with flavor, this easy fish dinner can be prepared ahead of time and frozen to help speed up your dinner prep on busy weeknights.

Salmon actually lends itself very well to freezer meal recipes. Some of our favorites include Ginger Soy Salmon, BBQ Salmon, and Dill Salmon.

Mustard Crusted Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Assembly Instructions:

1. Place the salmon, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a large resealable freezer bag. Lightly squish to combine the ingredients.
2. In a medium freezer bag, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to mix the ingredients.
3. Staple the medium bag to the large bag above the seal and place both bags in the freezer until you’re ready to start cooking.

Cooking instructions:

1. Transfer the salmon to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
3. Lay the salmon on the foil lined sheet and spread the breadcrumb mixture on top of each piece.
4. Bake the fish for 20 to 25 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily.

Tips for Freezing Salmon

Storing salmon in the freezer is a great way to help you speed up your meal prep as you’re planning your weekly menu. But ensuring your salmon stays fresh and delicious while it’s frozen is essential! With the help of these tips and tricks, you can be sure your frozen fish will be ready to enjoy when you’re ready to start cooking.

• Start with fresh salmon. When preparing fish for freezer cooking, it’s a good idea to start with fresh fish as opposed to already frozen fish. That’s because the sauce or marinade you’re using for your freezer meal will more easily soak into the fresh fish than fish that’s previously been frozen.
• Pick the best salmon. When looking for the best pieces of salmon to purchase at your grocery store, select filets that are bright and saturated in color. The fish should be glossy and firm to the touch, with a fresh, seaweed like smell.
• Keep it cold until you’re ready to prep. After you get your salmon home from the store, make sure to keep it stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your freezer meal. It’s best to use or freeze your fresh salmon within two days of brining it home.
• Remove excess air. After assembling your salmon dinner in the freezer bag, make sure to remove as much air as possible from your storage container. This will help keep freezer burn at bay while the fish is stored in the freezer.
• Label your bag. Before you place your salmon dinner in the freezer, make sure to label your bag. Add the name of the recipe, the date of freezing and the expected expiration date to the outside of the bag so you know when you need to prepare your fish. Salmon can stay frozen for up to three months.
• Thaw it safely. When you’re ready to prepare your frozen salmon, make sure you take the time to properly thaw it before you start cooking. Transfer the fish to the refrigerator to thaw overnight for best results. Or place it in a bath of room temperature water to help thaw the salmon more quickly.

Do I Need to Cover Salmon While Baking?

Salmon can easily dry out as it bakes, if you aren’t careful. That’s why it’s often recommended that you cover the fish with parchment paper or foil as it bakes to help it retain moisture.

But since this salmon recipe features a mustard glaze, there’s no need to add a covering. The layer of Dijon mustard and olive oil will help the fish hold in the moisture as it bakes.

How Do I Know When Salmon is Done Cooking?

Since salmon is often brightly colored when it’s raw and when it’s cooked, it can be difficult to tell if the fish is finished cooking. The best way to check if your salmon is done is with an internal thermometer. Salmon should be cooked to 145 degrees for it to be safe to eat.

How Do I Store Mustard Crusted Salmon?

After you’re finished serving your dinner, it’s important you transfer any leftovers you have in the refrigerator. Place the baked salmon in an airtight container and keep it the fridge for up to three days.

You can reheat your leftover salmon in the microwave or in a 350 degree oven.

What to Serve with Mustard Crusted Salmon?

This delicious fish recipe makes an amazing main course for dinner. But if you plan on adding it to your regular dinner rotation, you’re going to need some side dish ideas to go along with it! Try serving these simple sides with your salmon to help round out your meal.

• Roasted vegetables
• Rice Pilaf
• Mashed potatoes
• Side salads
• Dinner rolls

Print

Mustard Crusted Salmon

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

 

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. salmon fillets
• 3 Tbsp. grainy Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp. parsley
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Assembly Instructions:

1. Place the salmon, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a large resealable freezer bag. Lightly squish to combine the ingredients.

2. In a medium freezer bag, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to mix the ingredients.

3. Staple the medium bag to the large bag above the seal and freeze.

Cooking instructions:

1. Thaw.

2. Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with foil.

3. Lay the salmon on the foil lined sheet and spread the breadcrumb mixture on top of each piece.

4. Bake the fish for 20 to 25 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.