Description
This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. The salmon is crisped skin-side down in a skillet, then glazed with a rich sauce that complements the fish’s natural flavor for a quick and delicious meal.
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:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 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: Remove salmon from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Pat each fillet dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, garlic powder, lemon juice, freshly grated ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the skillet to become hot but not smoking.
- Cook the salmon skin-side down: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up and the salmon to cook through partially.
- Flip the salmon: Using a spatula, gently flip each fillet over. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the flesh side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Add butter and glaze: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Pour the prepared glaze around the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let the glaze bubble and thicken for 20 to 30 seconds, coating the pan.
- Glaze the salmon: Flip the salmon fillets one more time and spoon the thickened glaze over the top to coat evenly and enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately: Remove the glazed salmon from the skillet and serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Allowing the salmon to come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Patting the salmon dry ensures a crispy skin.
- The glaze thickens quickly due to the cornstarch; watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with steamed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
