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Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 33 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.