Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce

by Joanna
1 comment

Learn how to cook the perfect grilled salmon steak every time with this easy, flavorful recipe topped with a rich and creamy mustard sauce. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or searing indoors, this salmon steak recipe delivers juicy, tender fish that’s loaded with healthy fats and high-quality protein.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is not only elegant but incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. The tangy mustard cream sauce takes it over the top—infusing every bite with bold flavor and a silky finish.

If you’re looking for a low-carb salmon recipe that’s satisfying and packed with nutrients, this creamy mustard salmon steak is exactly what you need!

Grilled salmon steak with creamy mustard sauce and chopped chives on a white plate.

Make a restaurant-quality salmon dinner at home in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re a fan of oven-baked salmon or love the smoky flavor of grilled salmon steaks, this recipe is a must-try.

Salmon is one of the best proteins to keep in your weekly rotation—it’s flavorful, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and incredibly easy to cook. With just a few pantry staples and a creamy mustard sauce, you’ll turn simple salmon steaks into a delicious main course that’s both elegant and satisfying.

This is hands-down one of the best ways to cook salmon steaks. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a crisp green salad for a healthy, low-carb dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Perfectly cooked salmon with mustard cream sauce on a white plate.

Why Are You Going To Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe

  • Ready in just 15 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, healthy dinner option without compromising on flavor.
  • Packed with nutrition – Salmon is rich in high-quality proteinomega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and D, making it an ideal choice for a balanced diet.
  • Bold flavor, minimal effort – The creamy mustard sauce takes this dish to the next level with a tangy, savory kick that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
  • Perfect texture every time – Grilling the salmon gives you a crispy exterior with a juicy, flaky center that melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile and customizable – Serve it with grilled vegetablescauliflower ricezoodles, or a light green salad for a complete low-carb meal.
  • Great for meal prep – Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads, lettuce wraps, or lunch bowls for the next day.
  • Impressive yet simple – Despite how elegant it looks on the plate, this grilled salmon with mustard sauce is easy enough for beginners and perfect for entertaining guests.

See how easy it’s to make the best grilled salmon steak by watching this step-by-step video:

Ingredients For Grilled Salmon Steak

You’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients to create this flavorful grilled salmon steak with mustard sauce. Here’s everything required to make this dish:

Flat lay of salmon steaks, mustard, lemon, cream, and seasonings.
  • Salmon Steaks – Opt for wild-caught salmon if available, as it’s typically higher in omega-3s and offers a cleaner flavor. Choose salmon with a bright pink-orange hue and a fresh, mild scent. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before grilling for even cooking.
  • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist during grilling. For more depth of flavor, feel free to use grass-fed butteror even compound butter (like garlic herb) to brush on the steaks before grilling.
  • Stone-Ground Mustard – This hearty mustard provides texture and a bold, zesty flavor that elevates the creamy sauce.
  • Greek Yogurt – Acts as the creamy, tangy base for the mustard sauce. Make sure to use full-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt for best results.
  • Chives – Finely chopped chives add a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the salmon and sauce.
  • Honey – Just a touch adds a gentle sweetness to round out the acidity and spice. Use keto honey or sugar-free syrup if keeping the recipe low-carb.
  • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish and enhances the flavor of the fish and sauce.
  • Salt&Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the sauce to bring out their natural flavors.

How To Cook Salmon Steaks

It’s super easy to grill salmon steaks once you gather all the ingredients. I chose to use a grill pan, but you can pan-sear the salmon steaks without sacrificing the taste. Let’s see how to make grilled salmon steaks: 

Prepare the salmon steaks – Pat dry the salmon steaks and place them aside on a plate. Season each salmon steak with salt and pepper.

Preparing the grill pan with olive oil and raw salmon steaks.

Cook the Salmon – Add the oil or butter to a grill pan, and grill on each side for 5-6 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.

Grilling salmon steaks to perfection with golden grill marks.

Make the Mustard Sauce – Combine all the ingredients into a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mixing creamy mustard sauce ingredients with fresh herbs.

Serve the salmon steaks with a generous amount of mustard sauce, and garnish with some freshly chopped chives.

Serving grilled salmon with a generous helping of mustard sauce.

Tips For Making The Best Grilled Salmon Steaks

  • Pat the salmon dry before grilling. Moisture on the surface can cause the fish to stick to the grill grates and prevent a proper sear. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture for the best texture and caramelization.
  • Preheat the grill properly. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure it’s hot before adding the salmon. A hot grill helps prevent sticking and gives those perfect char marks.
  • Oil the grill grates. Lightly brush or spray the grill with a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil to reduce sticking and create an even cooking surface.
  • Use skin-on salmon steaks if possible. The skin acts as a natural barrier, holding the fish together and making it easier to flip without breaking apart.
  • Adjust cooking time based on thickness. Salmon typically needs about 4–5 minutes per side over medium-high heat, depending on thickness. A 1-inch thick steak should cook through in around 8–10 minutes total. Keep an eye on it and avoid overcooking.
  • Don’t move the salmon too soon. Let it sear and naturally release from the grill before flipping. If it’s sticking, give it another 30 seconds.
  • Check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium, then rest for a few minutes to let it reach the perfect flaky texture. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Let it rest. After grilling, allow the salmon to rest for 3–5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
Plated grilled salmon steaks ready to serve with mustard sauce and chives.

Recipe Variations

  • Customize the Mustard Sauce with Herbs: Elevate the flavor of your creamy mustard sauce by adding your favorite herbs. Try fresh or dried dilloreganotarragon, or rosemary for a delicious twist that pairs beautifully with grilled salmon.
  • Marinate the Salmon for Extra Flavor: For even deeper flavor, marinate the salmon steaks for 15–30 minutes before grilling. A quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs enhances the natural taste of the fish and helps it stay moist during cooking.
  • Add Parmesan to the Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of shredded Parmesan cheese into the mustard sauce to create a richer, more indulgent texture with a salty umami punch. It melts perfectly and complements the tanginess of the mustard.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakessmoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a subtle kick.
  • Try a Honey Mustard Glaze: Balance the sharpness of the mustard by mixing in a teaspoon of keto honey or sugar-free maple syrup to create a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Make it Creamier: Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or cream cheese for a different type of creaminess and tang.
Overhead shot of grilled salmon steaks on plates with creamy mustard sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Sure. Cook the salmon, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, then make the sauce and store it until you want to use it (the longer this sauce stays in the fridge, the more delicious it will be).

How To Choose The Right Salmon

Choosing the best salmon for your recipe can make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Whether you’re picking up wild-caught or farmed salmon, fresh or frozen, here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the highest quality:

  • Fresh Salmon: Look for fillets or steaks that are vibrant in colormoist (not dry), and free of any brown or dry spots. The flesh should bounce back slightly when pressed and have a clean, sea-like aroma—not an overly “fishy” smell, which is a sign the salmon is past its prime.
  • Frozen Salmon: Don’t underestimate frozen options. If it’s vacuum-sealed and labeled as flash-frozen at sea or immediately after harvest, it can actually be fresher than the salmon sitting in the seafood case. Check for any visible ice crystals or signs of freezer burn—those are red flags for poor storage.
  • Wild-caught salmon tends to be leaner, with a more intense, natural flavor and deeper color. It’s often a preferred choice for health-conscious eaters.
  • Farmed salmon is typically milder, more budget-friendly, and fattier, which makes it extra tender and great for recipes like baked or grilled salmon with sauce.
  • Pro Tip: If you’re not cooking the salmon the same day you buy it, frozen is often the better option for freshness and convenience. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for best results.

How To Serve

When I first cooked this salmon, I ate it as simple as with the sauce because I was amazed by this delicious combination. But when I make it for my guests, I also make some side dishes that pair perfectly with this recipe:

How Can I Store Salmon Steaks

  • Fridge: You can store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days.
  • Freezer: If you have any leftovers and don’t plan to eat right away, you can store them in the freezer for up to two weeks.

More Seafood Recipes

Grilled salmon steak with creamy mustard sauce and chopped chives on a white plate.

Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Prep time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Yelds 4 servings

Description
 

Learn how to cook the perfect grilled salmon steak every time with this easy, flavorful recipe topped with a rich and creamy mustard sauce. Whether you're grilling outdoors or searing indoors, this salmon steak recipe delivers juicy, tender fish that's loaded with healthy fats and high-quality protein.

Ingredients
  

Salmon Steaks

  • 4 salmon steaks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Mustard Sauce

  • 4 tbsp stone-ground mustard
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 4 tbsp chives finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey I used this keto honey substitute
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tsp garlic minced, optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Make the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whish Greek Yogurt, mustard, chives, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
    how to make Salmon Steaks
  • Prepare the salmon steaks. Pat dry the salmon steaks with a clean paper towel. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
    how to make Salmon Steaks
  • Grill. Place a large non-stick pan or skillet on medium heat. Add the oil, and cook the salmon steaks. Pan sear the salmon for 5-6 minutes (depending on the thickness) on each side until crispy and golden.
    Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce 1
  • Assemble. Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate, and top with a generous amount of creamy mustard sauce. Serve immediately.
    Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce 2
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving.
Calories
315kcal
Total Carbs
4g
Net Carbs
Protein
40g
Fat
15g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
2g

How do we calculate the nutrition info?

These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword salmon steak
Tried this recipe?Mention @MyketoPlate_ or tag #MyKetoPlate!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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1 comment

James Fond February 12, 2024 - 8:40 pm

This recipe looks very familiar.

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