Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon: A Sweet and Savory Delight

This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon recipe is a mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The delicate richness of the salmon is perfectly balanced by the sweet brown sugar and the salty depth of the soy sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and offers a deliciously complex taste. It’s perfect for anyone craving a flavorful, yet simple, seafood meal.

Explore other great salmon recipes, such as Soy-Glazed Salmon on Food Network and Brown Sugar Salmon from AllRecipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon Recipe – Sweet and Savory Delight

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is a deliciously sweet and savory dish, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. The salmon is coated in a luscious sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, then baked to perfection with a hint of lemon. The butter adds richness to the sauce, while the perfect seasoning brings out the best in the salmon. This dish is both simple and packed with flavors, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs salmon fillet (about 4 fillets)
Olive oil (for seasoning)
Salt (for seasoning)
Pepper (for seasoning)
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup salted butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Lightly drizzle the fillets with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Marinade:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, and bring it to a simmer.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly (about 3-4 minutes), remove it from the heat.
Stir in the salted butter until melted and well-combined.
Marinate the Salmon:
Pour the brown sugar soy sauce mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, reserving some sauce for later if desired for serving.
Let the salmon marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Bake the Salmon:
Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and plate the fillets.
Spoon additional sauce over the salmon if desired.
Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices if preferred.
Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!

Notes

If you prefer a stronger caramelized flavor, broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to brown the top slightly.
Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.
You can use low-sodium soy sauce for a less salty version of this dish.
This recipe also works well with other types of fish like trout or cod.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
Calories: 370 kcal
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the salmon to cook through while caramelizing the glaze perfectly.
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated.
Make the Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture begins to simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Butter: Stir in the salted butter and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the glaze. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Glaze the Salmon: Once the glaze is ready, pour it generously over the salmon fillets. Ensure that each fillet is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For an extra caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked salmon immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices. Pair it with rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Advanced Techniques

Perfectly Glazed Salmon

To get the perfect glaze on your Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon, it’s important to cook the glaze until it reaches a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it cook for too long or it may become too thick or burnt. If the glaze gets too thick, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up before pouring it over the salmon.

Crisping the Skin

If you prefer crispy skin on your salmon, you can pan-sear the fillets before baking them. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy, then transfer the fillets to the oven to finish cooking with the glaze.

Enhancing the Flavor

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of chili flakes, ginger, or even a bit of hoisin sauce to the glaze. These ingredients will enhance the sweetness and saltiness of the soy sauce while providing extra complexity.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftover Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and maintain the dish:

Refrigeration: Allow the salmon to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze can be stored separately in a small jar or container.
Reheating: To reheat the salmon, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat the salmon in the microwave, but be mindful that it can lose its crispiness.
Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze cooked salmon, the texture may change once thawed. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Shelf Life

The Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the quality of the glaze, store it separately and reheat before serving.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Option

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce. This will reduce the saltiness of the dish, while still providing the umami flavor you love.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Adaptation

For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. You can also use plant-based alternatives to soy sauce, such as tamari or coconut aminos, for a gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish.

Sugar-Free Version

For those reducing sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. While it may not achieve the exact same caramelization as brown sugar, it will still give you a sweet, savory glaze.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can use other types of fish like trout, halibut, or even tilapia in place of the salmon. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Can I use a different sweetener for the glaze?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a granulated sugar substitute. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of your chosen alternative.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before drizzling over the salmon.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?

Absolutely! You can grill the salmon fillets over medium heat, basting them with the glaze as they cook. This will give the salmon a smoky flavor while still achieving the sweet and savory balance of the glaze.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is a perfect dish for anyone craving a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. This recipe offers a rich, indulgent glaze that complements the tender salmon, making it a versatile meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make this recipe your own. With just a few simple steps, you can create a memorable and flavorful meal that everyone will love.