Brown Sugar Salmon

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy fish, this Brown Sugar Salmon is a perfect choice. It’s beyond flavorful, super easy to make, and is ready from start to finish in under 15 minutes.

The brown sugar glaze is made simply with brown sugar, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and fresh ginger for a thick and flavorful glaze that tastes absolutely incredible.

I’m always on the hunt for delicious ways to incorporate fish into my diet for a lean source of protein. Salmon tends to be at the top of my list because it’s loaded with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and tastes great in a ton of different ways.

I’ve tried a lot of great salmon recipes, but this one is easily one of my favorites.

As an added bonus, my whole family loves this dish as well. Kid-friendly fish dishes are hard to come by, so take that for what it’s worth! To keep things simple, serve it with these stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice. It's also delicious with some sweet potato fries and crispy cabbage.

For a complete meal that tastes wildly satisfying, pair this dish with a simple whole grain and your favorite veggies or a side salad.

I always try to make a few extra filets so I can save the leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Add it to salmon rice bowls, salads, and wraps.

What You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this easy salmon is that you probably already have most of the ingredients at home. All you’ll have to do is hit the grocery store for some fresh salmon fillets. Now, let’s break down the key ingredients you’ll need to whip up this meal.

• Salmon: You can use fillets or a whole slab. I like to use wild salmon for a leaner dish with added nutrients, but feel free to use farmed salmon if that’s what is available to you.
• Brown Sugar: This is the key to a thick, delicious glaze. You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for a more flavorful dish with stronger molasses notes.
• Soy Sauce: To keep the sodium content low, I like to use low-sodium soy sauce. You could also swap it out for tamari or coconut aminos to keep this salmon recipe gluten-free.
• Dijon Mustard: When paired with brown sugar and soy sauce, tangy dijon mustard tastes absolutely amazing and adds a wonderful creaminess to the glaze. Whole-grain mustard works as well, but I wouldn't recommend yellow mustard.
• Fresh Ginger: For the best flavors, make sure to use freshly grated ginger. This ingredient is optional but it makes the glaze really pop. Swap in some minced garlic if you prefer that to ginger. 

Recipe Tips for the Best Baked Salmon

For the best-tasting baked salmon, here are some of my favorite tips to follow:

• Look for filets of similar thickness to ensure that they cook evenly for the best results.
• Wild salmon tends to be leaner and therefore cooks a bit quicker than farmed salmon. If you’re using wild filets, cook until the internal temperature reaches 120-125 degrees F for a firm yet flaky fish. If you prefer your salmon well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. Check the doneness by lightly flaking the fish with a fork. 
• You can enjoy the salmon with the skin on or remove it after baking. I love keeping it on because it gets super crispy in the oven and acts as a barrier to keep the fish from burning. So if you do decide to remove the skin, I would wait until after cooking it.
• Feel free to swap the brown sugar for honey if you want a dish that’s free from processed sugar. Keep in mind the glaze will not be as thick if you use honey.
• For a pop of color and added flavor, garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs just before serving the dish. Thyme, parsley, dill, and chives all work great.
• Always cook salmon in the oven with the skin-side down. 
• For a pop of brightness, finish the dish with some fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of vinegar. 

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Salmon

Because this brown sugar glazed salmon has so much flavor on its own, I like to pair it with simple side dishes that compliment the flavors without stealing the show. This typically includes roasted potatoes, asparagus, or green beans. For a tasty low-carb meal, you can pair it with cauliflower rice and a cooked veggie or side salad.

Here are some of my favorite sides to serve with this salmon recipe:

• Easy Spring Mix Salad
• Sesame Green Beans
• Instant Pot Brown Rice
• Grilled Summer Vegetables
• Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Leftovers and Storage

This salmon is great for leftovers and keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be eaten cold, room temperature, or gently reheated in a skillet.

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, consider using them to make these Salmon Sushi Bowls or a tasty Salmon Kale Salad.