Description
Salmon gets a sweet and savory makeover with Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon that melts in your mouth. Caramelized glaze and tender fish create a quick dinner that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a smooth glaze. Adjust flavors to your taste.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry 4 salmon fillets. Season both sides with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat your oven to exactly 400F. Position the rack in the center of the oven.
- Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, carefully place salmon fillets in the pan.
- Sear salmon for precisely 4 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust. Do not disturb the fish while cooking.
- Gently flip each fillet and cook the opposite side for 2-3 minutes. Ensure even browning across the surface.
- Remove skillet from heat and brush salmon generously with the prepared glaze, covering each fillet completely.
- Slide the skillet into the 400F oven. Bake for 6 minutes, checking that salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Switch oven to broil. Caramelize the glaze for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest salmon for 3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with optional green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Always pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon with rich color and firm texture for the best flavor and caramelization.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for safe and perfectly cooked fish.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the same delicious umami flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-17 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 335 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg