Name: Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh salmon (cut into 4 pieces); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water; 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that feels both effortless and impressive, let me introduce you to Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon. This dish strikes that perfect balance between sweet, savory, and a hint of tang, all wrapped around tender, flaky salmon. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this simple recipe always delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes. Get ready to fall in love with a salmon dinner that pops with color, aroma, and mouthwatering taste from the very first bite.

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into a stunning main course. Each ingredient in Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon plays a role—some add richness, others build flavor, and all together they bring the fish to life.

Fresh salmon (1 pound, cut into 4 pieces): The star of the show—choose fillets that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch for best results.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a deep caramel sweetness that perfectly balances the savory glaze.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings richness to both searing and the glaze, giving a silky finish.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers savory, salty notes that amplify the umami in each bite.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A subtle zing that brightens and lifts the glaze.
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a complex, tangy depth to the overall flavor.
Fresh ginger (1/2 teaspoon, grated): Gives a warm, subtly spicy twist that’s not overpowering.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that beautiful golden crust when searing the salmon.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle, aromatic background without overpowering the glaze.
Chicken broth or water (2 tablespoons): Prevents the glaze from being too thick and helps everything simmer perfectly.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Slightly thickens the glaze until it’s glossy and just the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by bringing the salmon to room temperature—this helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Let it rest out of the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel, then season generously with salt and pepper to set the stage for amazing flavor and texture.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch. This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon sauce should look glossy and smell irresistible, combining sweet and savory elements in one bowl.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium-high, swirling in the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and let them sear undisturbed for around 5 minutes. This step locks in juiciness and creates that toasty, delicious crust on the bottom.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Through

Gently flip each fillet and turn the heat down to medium. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—just until the salmon is nearly cooked through but still a touch pink in the center. Keeping the inside slightly pink ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then pour the prepared glaze around the salmon pieces rather than directly on top. Let it bubble for 20 to 30 seconds; this activates the cornstarch and thickens the sauce into a luscious, sticky glaze. Remove the skillet from heat before the glaze reduces too much.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Carefully spoon that richly flavored, glossy glaze over each piece. Serve the salmon warm, letting the glaze trickle over the sides for extra shine and flavor. Trust me, this Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon shines brightest when it’s served right away with a few simple sides.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch with bright and flavorful garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness, while a few lemon wedges on the side make the flavors pop. Toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions can provide a pretty finish and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon pairs well with so many classic sides. Try fluffy white rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up any extra glaze, or keep things light with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad. Steamed broccoli or lightly stir-fried bok choy complement the salmon’s sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salmon atop a bed of citrusy quinoa or tucked into warm grain bowls. You can also flake leftovers over a simple arugula salad or create elegant canapés on toasted baguette slices. This recipe’s versatility means you can dress it up or down, and it never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon tasting its best, place any cooled pieces into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The glaze will help keep the salmon moist, and leftovers will stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezing

If you hope to stash some away for future meals, let the salmon cool completely, then wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon can be frozen for up to one month—just be aware the glaze may thin slightly after thawing but will still taste wonderful.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the salmon in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave at 50 percent power in short bursts. Reheating slowly helps retain that flaky texture and prevents the glaze from becoming overly sticky.

FAQs

Can I make Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon with frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fillets completely and pat them dry before starting. This ensures the glaze adheres well and the texture remains juicy.

Is it possible to use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute honey or maple syrup if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different. Brown sugar gives the classic deep caramel notes that define this recipe, but alternatives work in a pinch.

How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the pan?

Let the oil and butter heat up until shimmering before adding the salmon. Don’t move the fillets around while they sear—once that beautiful crust forms, they’ll naturally release from the skillet with little effort.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can swap in 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger or simply omit it. The glaze will still deliver plenty of mouthwatering flavor.

Can Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon be cooked in the oven?

Yes! Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil, brush generously with the glaze, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-15 minutes, or until just cooked through. Finish with a quick broil for extra caramelization if you like.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon at home, now is the perfect time to dive in! The combination of flavors is pure magic, and the entire process is easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delightful recipe for Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon that combines the richness of brown sugar with savory soy sauce and tangy lemon juice to create a mouthwatering glaze for perfectly cooked salmon fillets.

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Bring salmon to room temperature by letting it sit out for 15–20 minutes. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch.
Sear the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the salmon skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
Cook the Salmon: Flip the salmon; reduce heat to medium and cook for another 2–3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Glaze the Salmon: Add remaining butter to the skillet and pour the prepared glaze around the salmon. Allow it to bubble for about 20–30 seconds before removing from heat.
Serve: Spoon glaze over each piece of salmon before serving warm with desired sides.

Notes

For a caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon for the last minute of cooking.
Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American