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Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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