This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is the recipe to win over people who don’t like salmon. It’s so delicious that even the pickiest of eaters will love it!
This post is sponsored by Klarbrunn.
Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon
This recipe has become such a hit in our house. It’s perfect for when I’m serving picky eaters, and I love that it can be baked or grilled (which means this is a perfect any time of the year dish).
It’s a little sweet, but not too sweet. The sweetness of the brown sugar is balanced out perfectly with the soy sauce and the garlic. If you love honey garlic shrimp, you’re definitely going to love this recipe.
I’ve partnered up with Klarbrunn to bring you this super easy dinner recipe. I love having it with an ice cold can of their Citrus Blend sparkling water. Salmon pairs so well with citrus flavors, so it’s really a match made in heaven. You can find out where to buy Klarbrunn here.
How Do You Make Salmon Taste Better?
If you’re the person asking this question, then this is definitely the right salmon recipe for you! The glaze is sticky, savory, salty, and sweet. It’s so delicious that it really makes salmon palatable, even for people that don’t naturally lean towards loving salmon. Sticky flavorful glazes are the perfect way to make seafood taste better.
Is It Better To Bake Or Pan Fry Salmon?
That depends on what you want. If you want an easy way to cook your fish that you know won’t dry it out, wrapping it in foil and baking it in the oven is the best option. If you want crispy skin, you’ll need to pan fry it.
How Long To Bake Salmon In The Oven
It depends on the thickness of the filet. If you’re using an exceptionally thin filet, it could be finished baking in as little as 10 minutes. On the other hand, if it’s very thick, it could take up to 25 minutes.
How Do I Know If It Is Cooked?
Cooked salmon will flake easily. To test this, use a fork to press down on the salmon. If it flakes off easily, then it’s cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to check it. According to the FDA, the internal temperature of cooked salmon should be 145 F.
What Do You Eat It With?
This recipe pairs well with so many side dishes. It’s really a delicious meal, and will basically pair perfectly with just about any light and savory starch or vegetable. I try not to pair it with sweeter dishes, like my honey glazed carrots, because that’s a lot of sweet flavors in one meal. It’s perfect with any of these delicious savory recipes:
Optional Adaptations
If you love the flavor of lemon, I’d recommend doubling the lemon juice and lemon zest, and omitting the Dijon mustard. It’s a really delicious way to prepare this salmon if you’re not a fan of mustard!
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Seafood Recipes
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Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon Recipe
This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is the recipe to win over people who don’t like salmon. It’s so delicious that even the pickiest of eaters will love it!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet (preferably wild caught for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or certified gluten free Tamari if you eat gluten free)
- 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 medium cloves garlic (minced by hand - don’t use a garlic press)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for serving)
Instructions
- Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before you bake it.
- Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 375 F (190 C).
- To a small saucepan over medium heat, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. Allow the mixture to cook until the sugar has melted, the liquid has reduced by half, and it’s made a sticky glaze. Add half of the butter and swirl until it has melted, remove the pan from the heat, and add in the second half of the butter. Swirl until the remaining butter has melted from the residual heat. Add in the Dijon mustard and stir to combine.
- Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (you need enough that you’ll be able to fold the edges over and create a tight seal). Place the salmon skin side down in the center of the foil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the salmon, and seal the aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15 - 18 minutes, or until the salmon is nearly cooked through. Open the foil pack, turn the oven to broil, and broil for 2 minutes (or until the top has golden edges and is crispy - keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn).
- Sprinkle with fresh diced parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use your best judgement with the amount of time that you bake your salmon. If you have an exceptionally thin piece, start checking it after 10 minutes. If you have a very thick piece, you’ll likely need 20 - 25 minutes before you broil it.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 18.4gCarbohydrates: 14.6gNet Carbohydrates: 14.2gFiber: 0.4gSugar: 12.2gProtein: 39.1g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
Try making this brown sugar soy sauce salmon in the oven or on the grill. Everyone will love it!
9 thoughts on “Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon Recipe”
Can you adapt this recipe for use in an air fryer
Hi Brenda, I think it probably could be made in an air fryer, but I haven’t tested it that way, so I’m not sure what the right instructions would be. If you try it, please let me know how it works out!
Delicious! Made it with my freshly caught Alaskan salmon. Only problem is there wasn’t enough sauce! Next time I’ll double the recipe so I can drizzle extra over the fish and rice.
Hi Clare, So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe and liked the sauce so much! -Alexa
I made this for my husband and I…he is diabetic so I try to make special, tasy, recipes for him. This was delicious and he has requested it again. Thank you!
Hi Jodi, I’m so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed this salmon recipe! -Alexa
This recipe was amazing!! Converted this non-fish lover!! I actually had salmon two nights in a row because this was so delicious. I baked it in foil, sooo moist and delish!
Definitely going in the recipe “bible” and not many make the cut!!
Thanks!
Not fond of salmon at all- this changes my life-
Killer recipe! Oh my gosh!
Thanx so much! Amazing and delish!!
Oh my gosh this is the best salmon recipe I have ever tried. I will be cooking it that way every time now from now on no if ends or butts. Thank you so much love love love.