This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is sweet, sticky, and seriously tasty! With just a few simple ingredients, this dish brings together the rich flavor of salmon and the sweetness of brown sugar.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here! If salmon is hard to find, you can substitute with trout or even chicken breast for a different variation. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Brown Sugar: I always opt for light brown sugar for its perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. If you prefer less sweetness, you can swap it out for coconut sugar or even honey, just keep an eye on cooking time as honey can burn faster.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but for a gluten-free version, use tamari. If you want less sodium, choose low-sodium soy sauce instead.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or even honey mustard can work in a pinch.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced is key for that bright flavor. If you need a substitute, garlic powder and ground ginger can work, but adjust the amounts accordingly – use less because they are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Glaze on My Salmon?
Getting that beautiful glaze on your salmon is all about the right technique! Follow these steps for success:
- Mix your glaze ingredients well to ensure they combine smoothly.
- Apply the glaze generously on the salmon, but save some for brushing on later.
- Oven temperature matters! Bake at 400°F to get a nice caramelization while keeping the salmon moist.
- Broil for a couple of minutes at the end to achieve that golden color. Just watch closely, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
- Don’t forget to spoon the extra glaze from the pan over the cooked salmon before serving for that extra kick of flavor.
Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Adding a few extra minutes for broiling gives you that caramelized finish, so expect a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Take your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice glaze on them. Lightly season the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the salmon fillets on the lined baking sheet, making sure the skin side is down if your fillets have skin. This will help keep them moist as they cook.
5. Brush on the Glaze:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously apply the brown sugar glaze over the top of each salmon fillet. Get it nice and coated for that sweet flavor!
6. Bake the Salmon:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. If you want that extra caramelized top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Add Extra Glaze:
Once you take the salmon out of the oven, drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the fillets for an added boost of flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if you like, for a little extra flair. Serve your beautiful glazed salmon right away, paired with steamed rice and sautéed or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent a watery texture.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar with a pinch of molasses to replicate the flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar works well as a healthier option and will add a slight caramel flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook and dry it out.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Soy Sauce?
Absolutely! If you need a soy sauce alternative, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free substitute. Both will still give you great flavor!