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Baked Mustard-Crusted Salmon With Asparagus and Tarragon

4.5

(68)

Baked mustardcrusted salmon with asparagus and tarragon on a white plate.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone

Gently baking salmon in a low-temperature oven ensures a moist and succulent fillet and only takes about 15 minutes. The asparagus cooks on the same baking sheet, making clean-up a breeze.

Cooks' Note

If asparagus spears are thick, increase initial baking time to 10 minutes before adding the salmon fillets to the baking sheet. If you prefer your salmon more well done, increase cooking time by 5 minutes and check for doneness.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    22 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1 bunch thin asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
8 teaspoons country-style or whole-grain Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss asparagus with 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper on prepared sheet, then arrange in a single layer on one half of baking sheet. Bake asparagus 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, spread each salmon fillet with 2 tsp. mustard. Sprinkle fillets with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper total. Toss panko with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle panko mixture evenly onto salmon fillets, then dust with smoked paprika.

    Step 3

    After asparagus has baked for 5 minutes, remove baking sheet from oven. Place prepared salmon fillets skin side down on empty half of baking sheet. Return to oven and bake until salmon is firm but still pink in the center and asparagus is tender, 14–16 minutes more for medium rare salmon. Divide salmon and asparagus among four plates and top with tarragon.

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