Description
This delicious Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze recipe features tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar soy glaze, complemented by fresh lemon juice and garlic. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, this dish can be oven-baked or pan-seared and served alongside roasted baby potatoes or a fresh lemon wedge for an added zest.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon and Glaze
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Optional Sides
- 1 cup baby potatoes (optional, for roasting)
- 1 lemon, quartered (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper until the mixture is well combined, forming a flavorful glaze.
- Preheat cooking surface. For oven baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). If you prefer pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to warm it.
- Dry the salmon. Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly; this helps achieve a better sear or bake by removing excess moisture.
- Apply glaze and place salmon. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking tray if using the oven or directly into the hot skillet if pan-searing. Brush each fillet generously with the prepared brown sugar glaze.
- Cook the salmon. In the oven, bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes until cooked through and flaky. If pan-searing, cook the salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until the glaze is caramelized and the fish is opaque throughout.
- Brush with additional glaze. During the final few minutes of cooking, brush the salmon fillets with any reserved glaze to intensify the flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the salmon from heat, garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve immediately with roasted baby potatoes or lemon wedges for a fresh, vibrant accompaniment.
Notes
- You can roast baby potatoes alongside the salmon in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- If using the stovetop method, be careful when flipping the salmon to maintain the skin’s integrity.
- Substitute fresh thyme with parsley or omit herbs as preferred.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
