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Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon

brown sugar soy glazed salmon - featured image

Sticky-sweet, savory, and so simple—this brown sugar soy glazed salmon transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy, impressive, and sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Brush or spoon about half of the glaze over the tops of the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  5. Bake the salmon for 8 minutes for thinner fillets or 10 minutes for thicker cuts, until the edges start to turn opaque.
  6. Remove the baking sheet and brush the salmon with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes, until the salmon is caramelized on top and flakes easily with a fork (total cooking time: 12-16 minutes).
  7. Check doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily and the center is just barely translucent (125°F for medium-rare, 140°F for well-done).
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with lime wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If the glaze is too thick, thin with a splash of water. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely. Salmon cooks quickly—avoid overbaking. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Leftovers are great in salads, wraps, or with noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, brown sugar, soy glaze, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Asian salmon, baked salmon, quick recipe, healthy, fish, seafood