Description
This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, making it an easy yet impressive main course. The glaze, made from brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and spices, caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating on tender salmon fillets. Paired with lemon wedges, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Serving
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika until you achieve a smooth and well-combined glaze mixture.
- Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between each piece for even cooking.
- Apply Glaze: Generously brush the prepared glaze over the top of each salmon fillet, coating them evenly to ensure maximum flavor and caramelization.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Broil for Finish: For a beautifully caramelized finish, switch your oven to the broil setting on high and broil the salmon for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve it warm with fresh lemon wedges on the side to add a bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before baking to ensure even cooking and proper glaze adherence.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
- Leftover glazed salmon can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated gently to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
