Description
This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, and fresh ginger. Cooked in a skillet to achieve a crispy skin and a luscious glaze, this dish is quick, flavorful, and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 pieces fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Bring the salmon fillets to room temperature and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp up during cooking.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, freshly grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set aside for later use.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and the pan to heat through to ensure a good sear.
- Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden skin. Avoid moving the salmon during this step to prevent sticking.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the salmon fillets over using a spatula. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
- Add Glaze and Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then pour the prepared glaze around the salmon. Let the glaze bubble and thicken for 20 to 30 seconds while spooning it around to coat the fish evenly.
- Glaze the Top: Flip the salmon once more briefly and spoon the thickened glaze over the top to finish, ensuring every bite is flavorful and glossy.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Bringing the salmon to room temperature before cooking helps achieve even cooking.
- Patting the salmon dry is crucial for a crispy skin.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute salmon with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Keep an eye on the glaze as cornstarch thickens quickly and it can burn if cooked too long.
