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Delicious Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe photo

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

A sweet-and-savory garlic brown sugar glaze coats tender oven-baked salmon for a quick, flavorful weeknight main.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds salmon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
  • 1 zest orange zest of one orange
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice juice of one lemon (approximate)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or spoon
  • oven-safe rack (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Place the salmon skin-side down on the lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Fold up the foil edges around the salmon to create a shallow packet, leaving the top open for now.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, stone-ground mustard, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice until smooth. Do not add the butter yet.
  5. Pour most of the glaze over the salmon, reserving a little for basting. Dot the top of the fish with the optional butter pieces.
  6. Seal the top of the foil packet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through but still moist. Cooking time will vary by thickness—check for flakiness.
  7. Remove the foil top, baste the salmon with the reserved glaze and any melted butter, then switch the oven to broil. Broil 2–3 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and browned—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let the salmon rest a minute, then serve with salad or vegetables as desired.

Notes

  • Use skin-on salmon for easier handling and extra flavor.
  • Watch the broiler closely since the glaze can burn quickly.
  • Butter is optional but adds richness and helps caramelize the glaze.