Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed), skin on or off, about 1.5-2 pounds. Salmon is the star, providing rich flavor and healthy fats.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar, ½ cup packed. Brown sugar creates the signature sweet and caramelized glaze, adding depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup. Soy sauce brings a savory umami element to balance the sweetness and tenderize the salmon.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons. Olive oil adds moisture and helps the glaze adhere to the salmon, also contributing healthy fats.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, cuts through the richness, and complements the salmon beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika or regular paprika, ½ teaspoon. Paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color to the glaze, deepening the flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon. Black pepper provides a subtle spice and enhances all the other flavors.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges, sesame seeds. These garnishes add visual appeal and a fresh finish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents sticking, while foil can be helpful for containing any glaze drips.
- Prepare the Salmon: If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better and ensures a nice sear if you choose to broil at the end. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until well combined. Ensure the brown sugar is mostly dissolved into the liquid ingredients, creating a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the Salmon: Generously brush the brown sugar glaze evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Make sure each piece is nicely coated to maximize flavor and caramelization. You might have a little glaze leftover, which is perfect for basting later.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Broil for Caramelization (Optional): For an extra caramelized and slightly crispy top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning, as the brown sugar glaze can caramelize quickly under the broiler. Position the baking sheet about 6 inches from the broiler and broil for a short time until the glaze is bubbly and slightly darkened.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds (if using) for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the baked salmon immediately while it’s warm and the glaze is still glistening. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides (see “How to Serve” section below).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 40g