Go Back
Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
Caroline

Baked Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

This baked salmon with brown sugar glaze is a quick and flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory notes. With a simple soy sauce and brown sugar glaze, the salmon bakes to tender perfection in just 15 minutes — perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5–2 lbs salmon fillets, fresh or thawed
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • fresh parsley (optional)
  • sesame seeds (optional)
  • lemon wedges (optional)

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk or spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry and place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
  4. Brush glaze generously over each salmon fillet. Reserve some glaze for basting.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C).
  6. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, or lemon wedges.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
  • This recipe works equally well with salmon steaks or fillets.