Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that comes together quickly for an impressive weeknight meal. The sticky glaze enhances the salmon’s natural richness, creating a fantastic balance of flavors that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. Cut it into 4 equal pieces, pat dry with a paper towel, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch to make the glaze.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
4. Step 4: Place the salmon pieces skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium, flip the salmon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Pour the glaze between the salmon pieces and allow it to bubble and thicken for 20-30 seconds. Remove the pan from heat to prevent burning. Flip the salmon again and spoon the thickened sauce over the top.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately. The salmon skin will be crispy and delicious when fresh, but you can peel it off if you prefer.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture before cooking.
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweet flavor.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to maintain moisture and avoid drying out. The glaze may thicken upon cooling, so add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and glaze adhesion.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use water, vegetable broth, or even white wine as a substitute, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

Savor the rich and flavorful Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, featuring tender salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy perfection and coated with a luscious sweet and savory glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is ideal for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner with a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 1 pound fresh salmon
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided)

Brown Sugar Glaze

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. Cut into 4 equal pieces and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
3. Heat the Pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the pan to heat thoroughly for a few minutes to ensure a nice sear.
4. Cook the Salmon (Skin-side Down): Lay the salmon pieces skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to get the skin crispy. Then reduce the heat to medium.
5. Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon is almost cooked through but still moist inside.
6. Add Butter and Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Pour the prepared sauce around the salmon pieces, letting it bubble and thicken for about 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the pan from heat promptly to prevent burning, as residual heat will continue to thicken the glaze.
7. Glaze and Serve: Flip the salmon once more to coat with the thickened glaze. Spoon extra sauce over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy skin or peel it off according to your preference.

Notes

• Allowing the salmon to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking.
• Patting the salmon dry helps to achieve a crispy skin.
• Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; ground ginger is not a good substitute here.
• The glaze thickens quickly, so remove the pan from heat just as it bubbles to avoid burning the sauce.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist and adds texture but can be removed after cooking if preferred.

Keywords: Brown sugar glazed salmon, pan-seared salmon, sweet and savory salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner