Easy Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Soy Glaze
I know just how intimidating cooking salmon at home might seem, especially if you’re a beginner when it comes to cooking. But trust me when I say that this Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Soy Glaze is here to change your mind about that!
This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it is also SO flavorful and delicious, it will have your friends and family thinking it came straight out of a restaurant! Did I mention that you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes?
Let me walk you through this simple yet delicious recipe and share some tips to make your creating this dish even better!
Why I Love This Recipe
You know the saying, "simple is best", and "less is more!" Okay, maybe this doesn’t apply in ALL cases but it definitely holds true for this recipe! We're keeping things straightforward and simple-- no need for any fancy ingredients here (sorry Gordon Ramsay!). You'll only need a few basic staples to make the brown sugar glaze, which perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
The marinade for the salmon is just as simple, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and olive oil. That's it! Missing any of these ingredients? Check out my substitutions list below, I got you covered! Moral of the story: This recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon and is perfect for a quick, easy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this brown sugar-glazed salmon:
2 salmon filets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This Easy Salmon Recipe
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This mixture is your glaze, and it’s going to infuse the salmon with incredible flavor.
2. Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each filet is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. If you’re using a resealable bag, make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent leaks.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This step ensures that your salmon doesn’t stick to the pan and makes for easy clean-up.
4. Arrange the marinated salmon filets on the prepared sheet pan, skin side down (if the skin is on). Pour any remaining marinade over the top of the salmon. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve your baked salmon with your favorite side dishes, like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
How to Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer
Follow the same steps as above to prepare the marinade in a small mixing bowl.
Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate in the fridge.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated salmon filets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Air fry for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Let the salmon rest for a minute, then garnish and serve as you would if baking it.
Substitutions and Variations
If you need to make some substitutions or if you’re out of a few ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some ideas:
Soy Sauce: Swap it for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Dijon Mustard: Replace it with yellow mustard and a bit of honey.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil.
Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
For more fantastic salmon recipes, check out my air fryer salmon eCookbook!
What Are Some Great Side Dishes to Serve With This Salmon?
Here are some ideas for sides that pair well with this brown sugar salmon recipe:
Jazz's Recommended Products
To make this Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Soy Glaze recipe even easier, I recommend using high-quality kitchen tools that can make all the difference! Here’s one of my go-to products:
FAQs
-
Yes, you can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic if that's what you have on hand. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic the recipe calls for. This helps maintain the savory flavor without needing to make an extra trip to the grocery store!
-
For this recipe, I recommend leaving the salmon skin on while baking. The skin helps protect the fish from overcooking and keeps it moist. If you're not a fan of salmon skin, it easily peels off after cooking.
-
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently to avoid drying it out, or enjoy it cold over a salad.
-
Baked salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed green beans. These options complement the sweetness of the brown sugar glaze and create a complete meal packed with flavor and nutrients.
I hope you love this Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you give it a try!
Happy cooking!
Easy Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Soy Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Glaze: Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Marinate: Pour glaze over salmon fillets and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake: Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions.
