Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
This Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe is my first ever salmon recipe I ever made! This dish perfectly balances the rich, savory flavors of salmon with a touch of sweetness.
Imagine this: tender, juicy salmon that's been marinated in a luscious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, then cooked to perfection on a stainless steel pan or grilled. The caramelized brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness that complements the natural flavors of the salmon, while the soy sauce and spices provide a savory depth that will have your taste buds singing.
Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Grilled Brown Sugar Salmon is sure to impress! So, let's get started and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table!
Ingredients:
1 lb salmon filets (2 filets)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons avocado oil (1 tablespoon for cooking and 1 tablespoon for marinade)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and all ingredients are well mixed.
2. Dab your salmon filets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Place the fresh salmon filets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring the filets are fully coated.
5. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 1 hour.
6. Heat a stainless steel pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Flip the parchment paper to coat both sides with avocado oil.
7. Once the parchment paper is hot, place salmon filets on it, skin side down. Cook the salmon for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the salmon filets and cook on the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or flakes easily with a fork.
8. Remove the salmon from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, finish with scallions (or your favorite fresh herbs) and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Ingredient Swaps and What to Serve with your Salmon
Let's talk options! This recipe is easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Can't have soy sauce? No problem! Substitute coconut aminos for a soy-free option, or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Not a fan of brown sugar? Swap it out for coconut sugar for a similar sweetness with a touch of caramel flavor.
What goes well with this amazing salmon? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite side dishes and favorite ways to pair salmon:
Smashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the savory and sweet flavors of the salmon. You can find my recipe for the perfect smashed potatoes here
My Air Fryer Vegetables Roundup: I've got a whole list of delicious vegetables you can air fry as a side dish for this meal, from cauliflower and asparagus to carrots, Brussels sprouts, and even frozen broccoli! You can find the recipes here!
Quinoa: This fluffy and protein-packed grain is a healthy and delicious side dish option. Learn how to cook quinoa with just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes here.
Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the salmon.
Fluffy Rice: The perfect fluffy rice recipe for all your favorite dishes! Find it here.
Download my Salmon Cookbook!
Are you a huge fan of salmon like me? Then you'll love this cookbook! In my book, you'll learn over 15 ways to make salmon in the air fryer, which are all the hype right now.
Using an air fryer can cut your cooking time in half (seriously). Steal my air frying secrets with these salmon-forward recipes.
The Parchment Paper Hack for Cooking Salmon
Cooking salmon on a pan can be tricky. Sometimes it sticks, and sometimes it breaks apart. Here's a simple hack using parchment paper and avocado oil to prevent sticking and ensure perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Why it works: Parchment paper creates a barrier between the salmon and the pan, preventing it from sticking. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures without burning.
Here's how to do it:
Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than your salmon fillets.
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step to prevent sticking!
Heat your stainless steel pan over medium heat. It's important for the pan to be hot before adding the oil.
Add a tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Carefully place the parchment paper on top of the hot oil. Use tongs to flip it over to ensure both sides are coated.
Now you're ready to cook your salmon!
Grilling Your Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Love the smoky flavor of the grill? This recipe can easily be adapted for outdoor cooking!
Preheat your grill to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare your salmon by marinating it as directed in the recipe.
Cut two large pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each salmon fillet completely.
Place each salmon filet in the center of a piece of foil. Drizzle a little bit of the reserved marinade over each salmon piece.
Fold the foil over the salmon, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
Place the foil packets on your preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Carefully open one of the packets (beware of steam!) and check for doneness. The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Ready to explore more easy salmon recipes?
Here are just a couple more delicious ways to prepare salmon:
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl: Craving some more sweet flavor? This satisfying bowl is perfect for a healthy and easy lunch or dinner.
Gordon Ramsay Salmon: Want to impress your dinner guests? Try this restaurant-worthy pan-seared salmon recipe inspired by Gordon Ramsay, I promise it's the best salmon!
Crispy Salmon Bites: These bite-sized salmon pieces are perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack. You can enjoy them plain, with a dipping sauce, or on a salad.
Pesto Crusted Salmon: This elegant dish is full of flavor and sure to become a new favorite.
FAQ
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Yes, you can use other oils like olive oil if you don't have avocado oil. However, avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that compliments this recipe well.
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You should marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim to marinate it for up to 1 hour. Avoid marinating for much longer, as the fish can become overly salty and start to break down.
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No, you don't need to remove the skin. Cooking the salmon with the skin on helps hold it together and adds extra flavor. Plus, the skin can become crispy and delicious when cooked properly.
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Parchment paper helps prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil and grill it! Just wrap it in foil and place it on the grill for 15 minutes.
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The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the filet to see if it is cooked through or by using a meat thermometer.
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Absolutely! If you prefer to grill the salmon outdoors, follow the marinating steps and then grill the salmon at 350°F (177°C) until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature, usually about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets.
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This salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, green beans, brown rice, or a fresh salad. Roasted potatoes or asparagus are also great options.
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Yes, you can prepare the sweet glaze marinade up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
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Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before marinating.
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You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet, such as a cast-iron or non-stick pan. The key is to ensure it gets hot enough and is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
This Garlic Brown Sugar Salmon Recipe is sure to become your new go-to, easy, weeknight meal. It's a delicious meal that's budget-friendly and uses pantry staples. Plus, salmon is a wonderfully versatile fish that's packed with health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals so not only is this meal incredibly delicious, but nutritious as well! So give this quick and impressive meal a try, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon filets (2 filets)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (1 tablespoon for cooking and 1 tablespoon for marinade)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and all ingredients are well mixed.
- Dab your salmon filets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place the salmon filets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring the filets are fully coated.
- Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 1 hour.
- Heat a stainless steel pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Flip the parchment paper to coat both sides with avocado oil.
- Once the parchment paper is hot, place the salmon filets on it, skin side down. Cook the salmon for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the salmon filets and cook on the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, finish with scallions and enjoy with your favorite sides!
