Name: Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges; Chopped parsley

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping salmon recipe that’s both irresistibly sweet and savory, Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This dish is a fabulous harmony of melt-in-your-mouth tender salmon, a glossy caramelized glaze, and a pop of fresh citrus. It’s quick enough for a busy evening yet elegant enough to wow your guests, bringing a restaurant-worthy experience straight to your own kitchen table.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is its simplicity—each ingredient has a job to do, working together to create flavor, color, and the perfect texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, boneless fillets for the best flavor and a delicate, flaky texture.
Brown sugar: This is the magic behind the glaze, giving the salmon a beautifully caramelized, sweet finish.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Soy sauce: Infuses a gentle umami and saltiness that ties all the flavors together.
Olive oil: Provides moisture and helps the glaze cling to the salmon as it cooks.
Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a savory backbone to the glaze.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Offers a hint of spice and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Lemon wedges & chopped parsley: For serving—these add brightness and a burst of fresh color to each plate.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks through quickly without drying out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the salmon release easily once it’s done.

Step 2: Mix Up the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This luscious mixture is what sets Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon apart; every ingredient plays a starring role in creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Arrange the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This keeps the fish moist while it bakes, and the skin will help protect the delicate flesh from sticking or drying out.

Step 4: Glaze the Fillets

Spoon the brown sugar glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet, making sure every inch is covered. Don’t be shy—this is where all that crave-worthy flavor comes from, and any extra will caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. If you love a slightly crispy, caramelized top, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, inviting finish.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

A simple shower of chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges are all you need to bring a burst of color and freshness to your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon. The lemon’s acidity balances the sweetness of the glaze, while the parsley adds a lively green note.

Side Dishes

This salmon shines alongside a scoop of fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a medley of roasted vegetables. For extra contrast, try serving it with a crisp salad or garlicky green beans—the possibilities are endless, and the glaze pairs perfectly with a wide range of sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try flaking the salmon over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad, or tuck pieces into warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for a fresh take on fish tacos. Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon also makes a fantastic addition to grain bowls, especially when topped with a little extra drizzle of the glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon left over, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days—making it perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooled salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) until just warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of lemon juice or a fresh sprinkle of parsley to perk it up before serving. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the delicate fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before glazing and baking. This helps ensure the glaze sticks and the salmon cooks evenly.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon, whole grain or even yellow mustard will work in a pinch. Each type Main Course.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Overcooking can make it dry, so start checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix up the brown sugar glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, and you’ll have dinner ready even faster.

What if I want a spicier version?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. This gives your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon a gentle kick without overwhelming the sweet and savory balance.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is the kind of dish that turns ordinary nights into something special with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser for families and guests alike, and every bite bursts with flavor and tenderness. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is an easy and flavorful baked dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s complemented beautifully by a caramelized finish and vibrant lemon and parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Fillets

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Glaze

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Place Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow heat to circulate.
Apply Glaze: Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are generously coated for maximum flavor.
Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Broil for Caramelization: For an extra caramelized finish, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with chopped parsley to add freshness and color.

Notes

Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American