Salmon with Honey Mustard Pan Sauce

Here's an easy dinner that you can make anytime. All you need to pick up is some fresh salmon. Or try the frozen salmon from Trader Joe's. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you should have on hand.

This recipe is easy, yummy and foolproof. You have to try it. And if you shop at Trader Joe's you're in luck. Because the recipe is right on the wrapper. And the best part? It's quick. Dinner in less than 30 minutes.

Don first discovered the recipe. And he usually makes it - which is so nice. I made it the other day and I'm happy to report it tasted just like when Don makes it. You know that's a good recipe when two people make the same recipe and it tastes the same. 

Now I'm not sure if kids will like it - or young kids anyway. Elli eats it. But she's a little more adventurous than the average nine year old. You know your kids. You'll have to be the judge.

I wanted to jazz up some brown rice so I made up a recipe (below.) It would have looked a little more colorful if I added in the parsley that I chopped. But I forgot. I steamed some broccoli to add some life to the plate - and to add a veggie. And dinner is served!

Salmon and Whole Grain Dijon Mustard from Trader Joe's.

De-glaze the pan with water and reduce.

This is the secret ingredient to make yummy, flavorful rice.

Steam some broccoli for 3 minutes.

Dinner is served!

Salmon with Honey Mustard Pan Sauce*
 

2 T olive oil
2 T unsalted butter
2 T Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
a few grinds of black pepper
1 lb salmon filets
1 T honey
1/2 c. water

1. Add olive oil and butter to non-stick skillet and cook over medium heat to melt the butter. Add mustard, stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the mustard seeds.
2. Add fish to pan, sprinkle with pepper and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Turn fish, drizzle with honey and cover with a lid to complete the cooking. Fish should be opaque but do not overcook.
4. Remove fish, add water to deglaze the pan and heat over high heat. Reduce the sauce by about half.
5. Pour over fish and serve.
* recipe from Trader Joe's


Festive Brown Rice
 

1/2 onion diced very fine
1 garlic clove chopped very fine
drizzle of oil oil
1 T fresh parsley chopped (optional)
fresh jalapeno diced very fine (optional, to taste)
1 T Better Than Bouillon chicken base
2 cups water
1 cup brown rice (or white rice)
salt and pepper to taste


1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Saute onion on medium high until soft.
2. Add garlic and saute one more minute.
3. Add the rice and cook stirring one minute.
4. Stir in the water and chopped jalapeno (optional). Bring to a boil.
5. Immediately turn to the lowest setting. Simmer according to package instructions on rice. (25 - 40 minutes) Brown rice takes much longer than white.
6. Once cooked add the parsley, salt and pepper to taste and stir and let sit in pan another minute. Fluff rice before serving. 


I'm always on the hunt for easy weeknight meals. What's your favorite go-to meal?