Fellow food lovers! I’m excited to share one of my favorite salmon dinner ideas today. If you’re looking for an easy salmon recipe that’s both sweet and savory, you’re in for a treat. Let’s talk about brown sugar glazed salmon – a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. If you love salmon, make sure to try my Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Coconut Rice and Fried Lemon Pepper Salmon Sticks with Old Bay Blue Cheese.
Why I Love This Oven-Baked Salmon
There’s something magical about the combination of brown sugar and salmon. The sweet, caramelized glaze perfectly complements the rich, flaky fish. What’s even better is how simple it is to prepare. This oven-baked salmon recipe is my go-to for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Salmon Glaze
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this brown sugar-glazed salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Of course, the star of our salmon glaze is the brown sugar. It creates a beautiful caramelization that tastes amazing and gives the salmon a gorgeous golden-brown color.
Preparing Your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Now that we have our ingredients ready let’s get cooking! Here’s how to prepare this easy salmon recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. This is your glaze.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over each salmon fillet, covering the entire surface.
Cooking Your Oven-Baked Salmon
With the prep work done, it’s time to let the oven do its magic:
- Place the baking sheet with the glazed salmon in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- If you want a more caramelized top, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Remember, it’s better to undercook salmon than to overcook it slightly – nobody likes dry fish!
Serving Your Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Once your salmon is done, it’s time to plate it up and enjoy! I like to serve this brown sugar-glazed salmon with steamed vegetables and rice or quinoa—the sweetness of the glaze pairs wonderfully with slightly bitter greens like broccoli or asparagus.
You can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for an extra touch. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh flavor that complements the rich salmon and sweet glaze.
Tips for the Best Salmon Dinner Ideas
Here are a few extra tips to help you nail this recipe every time:
- Use fresh salmon if possible. The quality of your fish makes a big difference in the final dish.
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard in the glaze. It adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your glaze.
- For an even quicker weeknight meal, you can prepare the glaze and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why This Easy Salmon Recipe Works
What I love about this brown sugar-glazed salmon is its versatility. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in the glaze creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s hard to resist.
Plus, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a win-win situation!
So there you have it – my favorite recipe. It’s an easy salmon recipe that will impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to salmon dinner ideas, too. Happy cooking!
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
PrintBrown Sugar Glazed Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. This is your glaze.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over each salmon fillet, covering the entire surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80g
Wow, this brown sugar glazed salmon recipe is a game-changer! I made it last night for my family and they couldn’t stop raving about it. The glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I was a bit worried it might be too sweet, but it turned out just right. The cooking time was spot-on too – my salmon came out perfectly flaky.
One small tweak I made: I added a tiny bit of grated ginger to the glaze and it gave it an extra kick that we loved. Thanks for sharing this easy salmon recipe. It’s definitely going into our regular dinner rotation!