Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delicious and easy meal option. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The caramelized glaze gives the salmon a rich, mouthwatering finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it in the prepared dish. Reserve the marinade.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Version: Grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Spicy Glaze: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Honey Substitute: Replace brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Teriyaki Style: Add a splash of mirin and ginger for a teriyaki-inspired dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating for best results.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
What can I serve with this salmon?
Rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad pair well.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking?
Use parchment paper or grease the baking dish lightly.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week before using.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flake easily with a fork.
Can I substitute a different fish?
Yes, trout, halibut, or cod work well with this marinade.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How do I get a deeper caramelization?
Broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes! Try crushed nuts or an extra drizzle of soy sauce for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that balances sweetness and umami perfectly. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintBrown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A perfectly baked or pan-seared salmon fillet coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar and soy sauce glaze. Quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- 2. Marinate the Salmon:
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator (don’t marinate too long or the salmon will start to break down).
- 3. Cook the Salmon:
- Oven Method (Baked Salmon)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets on the sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a caramelized top.
- Stovetop Method (Pan-Seared Salmon)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a glaze.
- 4. Serve & Garnish:
- Drizzle extra glaze over the salmon.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- :
- Want it extra crispy? Coat the salmon lightly with cornstarch before pan-searing.
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- For meal prep: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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