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- Salmon fillets - Brown sugar - Soy sauce - Dijon mustard - Olive oil - Garlic powder - Black pepper - Sea salt - Lemon juice - Green onions (for garnish) I love this recipe because it uses simple, fresh ingredients. For the salmon, I recommend using fillets that are about 6 ounces each. They cook evenly and stay moist. Brown sugar gives the glaze a sweet touch. It balances the salty soy sauce and tangy Dijon mustard. This mix creates a rich flavor that you will enjoy. Olive oil adds a nice depth and helps the glaze stick. Garlic powder brings warmth and a hint of spice. Black pepper and sea salt enhance the overall taste. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. It adds a zesty note that cuts through the sweetness. Finally, green onions are perfect for garnish. They add color and a mild onion flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on measurements and cooking tips. First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking. Next, let's make the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, add these ingredients: - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Whisk them together until you get a smooth mixture. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. This will give your salmon a sweet and savory taste. Now, it's time to bake the salmon. Arrange 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on your lined baking sheet. Use a brush or a spoon to apply the glaze generously over each fillet. Make sure they are fully coated for great flavor. Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Check it around the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking. For a delicious finish, switch your oven to broil after baking. Put the salmon under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. After broiling, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle, making it moist and tasty. Just before serving, sprinkle finely sliced green onions over the salmon. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon! To get the right glaze, you want it thick and sticky. This texture helps the glaze cling to the salmon. If it’s too runny, add more brown sugar until you reach the desired consistency. For the best coating, use a brush to spread the glaze. Make sure to cover every inch of the salmon. This ensures each bite is full of flavor. You can bake or grill salmon. Baking is easier and keeps it moist. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. If you prefer grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high. The key is to watch the salmon closely. To check if it’s done, look for a pale color. When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. Pair your salmon with sides that complement its sweet glaze. Steamed rice or quinoa works great. Add sautéed broccoli or seasonal veggies for color. For a beautiful plate, stack the salmon on the rice and drizzle leftover glaze over everything. Finally, garnish with green onions for a fresh touch. This makes the dish not just tasty, but also visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can make your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon even better with a few tweaks. - Adding spices or herbs: Try adding paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can lift the dish. Just sprinkle them in the glaze or on the fish before cooking. - Incorporating citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor. Just a teaspoon added to the glaze makes a big difference. It brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can cook salmon in different ways to fit your style. - Air frying salmon: An air fryer cooks the salmon quickly and gives a nice crisp. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes. The glaze still caramelizes beautifully. - Pan-searing techniques: For a lovely crust, heat olive oil in a pan on medium-high. Sear the salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Then flip it and brush on the glaze. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until done. You can adjust this recipe to fit your dietary needs. - Gluten-free substitutions: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. It has the same flavor and works well in the glaze. - Low-sugar options for glaze: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener. This keeps the glaze sweet without the added sugar. Just use the same amount to maintain balance. For the Full Recipe, feel free to explore how these variations change the dish! To keep your brown sugar glazed salmon fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Store the salmon in the refrigerator for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Reheating salmon can be tricky. You want to keep it moist. The best way is to use an oven or microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the microwave, place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. Freezing is a great option if you have extra salmon. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped salmon in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Salmon can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use the cold water method. Place the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. You can use several types of salmon. I recommend wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor. King salmon, also known as Chinook, is very tasty but can be pricey. Sockeye salmon has a deep red color and strong flavor. Farmed salmon is more affordable and works well too. The choice depends on your taste and budget. Yes, you can! While brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor, you can use white sugar or honey. Each will change the taste a bit. Coconut sugar is another great option. It adds a unique taste and is often less processed. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. You can tell salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily. A fork should easily break apart the fish. The center should be slightly translucent but not raw. If you have a food thermometer, aim for 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. This ensures it's safe and juicy. Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day before and store it in the fridge. You can also marinate the salmon in the glaze for up to two hours before cooking. Just don’t wait too long, or the fish may become too salty from the soy sauce. Cooking the salmon ahead is not advised, as it tastes best fresh. If you're missing something, don’t worry! You can skip the garlic powder or use fresh garlic instead. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, any mustard works. Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option. Get creative! Just keep the main flavors in mind for the glaze. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this post, we explored a simple salmon recipe. We covered the essential ingredients like salmon, brown sugar, and soy sauce. You learned how to make a tasty glaze and bake the salmon perfectly. We shared tips for cooking and serving, plus easy variations to try. Cooking salmon can be quick and fun. With these steps, you can impress your guests or enjoy a great meal. Try out different flavors and methods to find your favorite. Enjoy your cooking adventure with salmon!

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Indulge in the rich flavors of brown sugar glazed salmon with this easy recipe that will impress your family and friends! With a harmonious blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, this dish is not only delicious but simple to make. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, it’s a delightful meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To facilitate an easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, cohesive glaze.

      Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet. With a brush or spoon, generously apply the glaze over each fillet, making sure they are fully coated for maximum flavor.

        Place the salmon in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it appears opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

          For an added touch of caramelization, once baked, switch your oven setting to broil and place the salmon under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

            Upon removing the salmon from the oven, allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This lets the juices settle and enhances flavor.

              Just before serving, sprinkle the finely sliced green onions over the salmon for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Place the salmon atop a fluffy bed of steamed rice or quinoa, accompanied by a side of sautéed broccoli or seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the rice for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!