Name: Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

When you’re craving a crowd-pleasing main course that feels restaurant-worthy but couldn’t be easier, Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is the answer. Picture melt-in-your-mouth salmon fillets with a glistening, sticky-sweet and savory glaze, baked to juicy perfection in under 20 minutes. That glorious combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard works magic on the salmon, making every bite a harmonious blend of rich, tangy, and caramelized flavors. Trust me, once you try this irresistible Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, it will become your new weeknight staple and a favorite for dinner parties alike.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create layers of flavor and that signature glossy finish. Every ingredient earns its spot, each bringing a unique note that elevates the whole dish far beyond the sum of its parts.

Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, skin-on fillets about 6 ounces each for best results; this keeps the fish incredibly moist during cooking.
Brown sugar: Packed for richness and deep sweetness, it’s the key to that gorgeous caramelized glaze.
Soy sauce: Adds an umami boost and balances the sweet with just the right touch of savoriness.
Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle tang and helps the glaze emulsify for a silky texture.
Olive oil: Helps the glaze spread evenly and keeps the salmon tender, never dry.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a hint of aromatic warmth that infuses every bite.
Black pepper: Just a dash brings a gentle kick, rounding out the sweet and savory balance.
Lemon wedges: Serve alongside for a fresh, citrusy pop right before serving.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—the perfect temperature for gently roasting salmon to flaky-tender perfection while giving the glaze time to bubble and caramelize. For effortless cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps the salmon from sticking but also catches every drop of the delicious glaze.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper. The result is a silky, pourable glaze with a depth of flavor that will cling beautifully to each fillet. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely for the smoothest finish.

Step 3: Glaze the Salmon

Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to generously coat each piece with the brown sugar mixture, covering every nook and cranny. Don’t worry if a little glaze pools around the sides—this just means more flavor for later!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, while the glaze turns glossy and caramelized. If you crave that irresistible sticky finish, pop the tray under the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so the glaze doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

As soon as the Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon emerges from the oven, transfer the fillets to plates and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This last touch brightens all the flavors for a show-stopping, unforgettable meal.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley creates a vibrant pop of color against the glossy glaze. Lemon wedges are absolutely essential, squeezing their juice just before serving for a citrusy, aromatic lift. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a finishing touch of cracked black pepper on each Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon fillet.

Side Dishes

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon tastes especially fabulous with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots—anything that soaks up that spare glaze is a winner. Fluffy jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a bright, herby quinoa salad also make delicious companions, soaking up every last drop of that sweet-savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual weeknights, serve each salmon fillet right from the tray with a hearty scoop of sides. For fancier gatherings, place the fillets atop a bed of dressed baby greens or citrus segments for a burst of color and freshness. You can even flake leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon into a bowl of greens or tuck it inside a warm grain bowl for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, tuck those cooled salmon fillets into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. The glaze may firm up a bit, but it still packs plenty of flavor for sandwiches, salads, or quick meals.

Freezing

To freeze cooked Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, let fillets cool completely, then wrap individually in parchment and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon maintains its best texture and taste for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

To reheat, place salmon in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until just heated through. You can also microwave gently, using short bursts so the salmon stays moist and the glaze doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I make Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely prepare the glaze up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Brush it over the salmon just before baking for a stress-free, speedy dinner.

What sides go best with this dish?

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is incredibly versatile, pairing well with roasted or steamed veggies, rice, quinoa, or even a robust salad for a lighter meal. A crisp green bean almondine or garlicky sautéed spinach are always crowd-pleasers on the side.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?

Yes! Brush the glaze on as directed and grill the fillets skin-side down over medium heat, closing the lid for 5 to 7 minutes. Add another brush of glaze before finishing—this technique gives you lovely grill marks and a lightly smoky note.

Is Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the glaze, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free main course that everyone can enjoy.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keeping an eye on the baking time is key, especially if you broil the salmon at the end. Using parchment paper helps, and don’t place the fillets too close to the broiler—about 6 inches away is perfect for that final caramelized touch without burning.

Final Thoughts

If you love simple recipes with big rewards, give Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon a spot on your dinner rotation. Its quick prep, unbeatable flavor, and gorgeous finish make it impossible not to love. I have a feeling it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for a special meal that’s secretly weeknight easy—happy cooking!

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a delicious glaze that enhances the natural richness of the salmon.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

Glaze:

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

Serving:

lemon wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper until smooth.
Glaze and bake: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the glaze generously over each fillet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.