Description
This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated with a rich, sweet, and tangy brown sugar glaze. The glaze combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a deliciously balanced flavor that complements the crispy salmon skin and tender flesh. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 pieces fresh salmon fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Black 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 option)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 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 thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make 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 and smooth.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter; allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Position the salmon pieces skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to create a crispy skin and prevent sticking.
- Flip the Salmon: Carefully turn the salmon over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the salmon to cook through without burning.
- Add Glaze and Thicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Pour the prepared glaze around the salmon. Let it simmer and bubble, thickening the sauce for 20 to 30 seconds while spooning occasionally.
- Final Glaze and Serve: Flip the salmon once again and generously spoon the thickened glaze over the top. Remove from heat and serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and texture contrast.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry to achieve a crispy skin.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, increase the cornstarch to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Handle the salmon gently when flipping to keep the fillets intact.
