Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is tender and flaky salmon covered in the most amazing garlic brown sugar soy glaze. The flavor is out of this world, and it will become a new family favorite!

We love salmon in our home and love that it is a simple and satisfying meal. Be sure to also try Cilantro Lime Butter Salmon, these yummy Sheet Pan Garlic Lime Salmon Fajitas, or these Butter Garlic Herb Salmon Foil Packets for more oven-cooked salmon recipes!

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (1)

A Reader’s Review

“This is the best salmon recipe I’ve found to date! I am a relatively novice cook and this salmon is so easy but SO GOOD that I make it about once a week!”

-Leah

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

This may not be well known, but I used to hate salmon! But I have been converted, and now I can’t get enough. Salmon has turned into one of my all-time favorite foods, and not only is it delicious, but it’s good for you too! Win-win. There are quite a few salmon recipes that you have to try.

This garlic brown sugar salmon recipe soared to the number one spot of my favorite salmon recipes because it turns out perfectly every time. The sweet glazed made from brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper is so delicious and perfectly complements the fish. The salmon flakes off with your fork, making every bite melt in your mouth. Even my kids love this recipe!

Ingredients in Garlic Glazed Salmon

This delicious garlic brown sugar glazed salmon has the perfect mixture of sweet and savory. I mean, how can you go wrong with brown butter and garlic?? To find all of the exact ingredients, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Atlantic Salmon: I used Atlantic salmon in this recipe, but you can use another kind if you prefer.
  • Olive Oil: This is what the salmon will cook up in, making it nice and flaky.
  • Brown Sugar: This creates a caramelized glaze and adds a sweetness to the flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: The soy sauce adds a tangy taste.
  • Garlic Cloves: The minced garlic adds a flavor and smell that makes this salmon irresistible!
  • Lemon: I use the juice of one lemon. Fresh is always best!
  • Salt and Pepper: The seasonings enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
  • Lemon Slices and Chopped Parsley: I use these as a garnish to the salmon.

How to Make Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Not only does this salmon taste heavenly, but it’s so easy to make. You can be eating it in less than 30 minutes!

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the salmon on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold up the sides of the aluminum foil around the salmon.
  2. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the glaze over the salmon. Top the salmon with aluminum foil and seal.
  3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon is cooked throughout. Take the foil off of the top and baste the salmon with the sauce in the foil. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until brown and caramelized. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.
Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (2)

How to Tell When Salmon is Fully Cooked?

You can tell when your garlic brown sugar glazed salmon is fully cooked when the fat intensifies and runs out. Cook the salmon further only to get the desired degree of doneness. When flakes separate easily, but the meat is translucent, it’s rare but edible.

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (3)

Storing Leftovers

This Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon can last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, cooking them up in the air fryer is my favorite way! Reheat them in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. It keeps the texture perfectly flaky every time.

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (4)

Sides to Serve with Salmon

The best part about eating salmon for a meal is that is goes with just about everything! Here are a few ideas on what you can serve on the side that will complement this salmon perfectly.

Side Dishes

Grilled Asparagus Recipe

15 mins

Salads

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

15 mins

Side Dishes

Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

40 mins

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon

20 mins

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Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

4.92 from 110 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is tender and flaky salmon covered in the most amazing garlic brown sugar soy glaze. The flavor is out of this world, and it will become a new family favorite!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the salmon on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold up the sides of the aluminum foil around the salmon.

  • In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the glaze over the salmon. Top the salmon with aluminum foil and seal.

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon is cooked throughout. Take the foil off of the top and baste the salmon with the sauce in the foil. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until brown and caramelized. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

Originally Posted on June 21, 2019

Updated on August 31, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 47gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1496mgPotassium: 1169mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to best salmon? ›

A dry brine gives you firmer, juicier fish fillets with kettle-chip-crisp skin.

Is it better to bake or sear salmon? ›

For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.

What is brown sugar glaze made of? ›

directions. Combine 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoons dry or prepared mustard, 1/8 tsp cinnamon and 3 tablespoons dry sherry (optional), 3 tablespoons vinegar and 3 tablespoons water.

What is the most delicious salmon in the world? ›

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), also known as King salmon, is considered by many to be the best-tasting of the salmon bunch. This large variety has a high-fat content and corresponding rich flesh that ranges from white to a deep red color.

What brings out the flavor of salmon? ›

Salmon is versatile and can handle most flavors. Use either, salt and pepper, household spices, store-bought rubs, marinades, glazes, or sauces. Season the fish at least 5 minutes before cooking. If desired, add more seasoning once cooked.

What is the most flavorful way to cook salmon? ›

Wrap your salmon in a parchment packet with aromatics, citrus, veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil. The steam trapped in the packet will infuse the fish with flavor and cook it gently, making it tender and juicy. Bonus: The parchment packets only take about 15 minutes at 425°F and the cleanup is minimal.

Should salmon be room temp before searing? ›

Let it Reach Room Temperature Before Cooking. When you add cold fish to a hot pan, it will cook unevenly. It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long.

Is it better to bake salmon in glass or metal pan? ›

Culinary experts and chefs recommend using large stainless steel or cast iron pan for baking salmon in the oven. Though you can use pans made of other materials as well, these two are just the most recommended ones.

What are the three basic ingredients in glaze? ›

A BASE GLAZE is a mixture of these three basic groups: SILICA, FLUX AND ALUMINA.

Why use brown sugar instead of white? ›

Substituting brown sugar for white sugar will be a win if you prefer softer and chewier cookies over crispier ones since the molasses lends that extra moistness.

Why is my brown sugar glaze not thickening? ›

If you allow your glaze to cool off too much, you'll have a much harder time getting your thickening agents fully incorporated. When thickening glazes after the fact, low, steady heat is the key to achieving a smooth, consistent texture and unobtrusive flavor.

What is the tastiest way to cook salmon? ›

Wrap your salmon in a parchment packet with aromatics, citrus, veggies, and a drizzle of olive oil. The steam trapped in the packet will infuse the fish with flavor and cook it gently, making it tender and juicy. Bonus: The parchment packets only take about 15 minutes at 425°F and the cleanup is minimal.

Why cook salmon skin side down first? ›

Salmon fillets are best cooked starting with the skin-side down. This prevents over-browning the meat, which can make it dry and pretty unappealing to look at on the plate. "When pan-frying or grilling, cook salmon fillets skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes," says Norton.

Why does baked salmon taste so good? ›

Salmon fat is highly unsaturated, which makes it susceptible to oxidation when cooked. Oxidation causes the breakdown of the fatty acids into strong-smelling aldehydes, which are the source of salmon's characteristic flavor.

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