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A perfectly cooked fillet of baked salmon in foil, topped with a garlic herb glaze and served with lemon.

Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

This irresistible brown sugar glazed salmon is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a sticky, caramelized glaze that transforms simple salmon fillets into a quick and impressive weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets (approx. 6 oz each, skin on or off)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For the Brown Sugar Glaze
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, or sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Salmon
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Salmon
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if skin-on).
  2. Sear the salmon for 4-6 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown (if skin-on) and the salmon is cooked about halfway up the sides. For skinless salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes until a nice crust forms.
  3. Flip the salmon fillets. Immediately pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over and around the salmon in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, basting the salmon frequently with the glaze in the pan. The glaze will thicken and caramelize around the salmon. Cook until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).
Serve
  1. Remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer to serving plates. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the salmon. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This brown sugar glazed salmon pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple serving of jasmine rice to soak up the delicious glaze. For best results, use fresh salmon and avoid overcooking it to keep it moist and flaky.