Description
This Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe combines the rich flavor of fresh salmon with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Seared to crispy perfection on the skin side and finished in the oven, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet, perfect for a nutritious and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 pieces Salmon Fillets (Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low-sodium soy sauce preferred)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (Fresh grated ginger)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Other
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For cooking the salmon)
- Fresh Herbs (Optional, for garnish, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the salmon in the oven after searing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Dry Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear and crispy skin.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, allowing it to warm up for searing.
- Sear Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Season: Lightly season the top of the salmon fillets with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
- Glaze Salmon: Flip the salmon fillets carefully and pour the prepared brown sugar glaze evenly over and around the fish.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 8-10 minutes to cook through and allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Rest Salmon: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for about a minute to redistribute its juices.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salmon to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining glaze from the skillet, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets to achieve a crispy skin texture during searing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the glaze.
- Freshly grated ginger and garlic add the best depth of flavor to the glaze.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon in the oven; aim for a tender, moist interior.
- Optional fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill provide a fresh finishing touch.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
