Description
This easy brown sugar soy glazed salmon features a sticky-sweet, savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium, or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil like avocado or canola)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe skillet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly oil the surface.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger (if using), and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon or pour the glaze evenly over each fillet, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For thinner fillets, check at 10 minutes; thicker fillets may take up to 18 minutes.
- Optional: For a stickier, more caramelized top, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let the salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot, drizzling extra glaze from the pan over the salmon. Enjoy with rice, quinoa, or your favorite veggies.
Notes
Pat salmon dry for best glaze adhesion. Don’t overbake—check for doneness at the minimum time. Broil briefly for extra caramelization, but watch closely to avoid burning. The glaze is flexible—add chili flakes for heat or citrus zest for brightness. Leftovers are delicious cold or reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with glaze (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon, brown sugar, soy glazed, easy dinner, weeknight, sweet and savory, Asian, baked salmon, quick, healthy, gluten-free option