Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Elevate your dinner with this Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon recipe, where tender salmon fillets are brushed with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Baked to perfection, this dish is a delightful balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or special occasions. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying dinner option that’s both easy and elegant.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-12-12T02:29:06.827Z

Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon is a dish that not only looks beautiful but also tastes incredible. The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory seasonings creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the salmon cooks, resulting in tender, flaky fish with a rich and flavorful crust.

A Perfectly Balanced Dish

Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon offers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors that is both enticing and satisfying. The contrast of the delicate, flaky salmon with the rich brown sugar glaze creates a dish that not only pleases the palate but also delights the senses. The addition of soy sauce and Dijon mustard in the glaze enhances the overall profile of the dish, making it more complex and enjoyable.

This salmon recipe is not only about flavor; it also brings great nutritional benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Pair this dish with a variety of colorful vegetables to create a wholesome meal rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.

Easy and Elegant Meal

This Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual family meal, this recipe is a great fit. It requires minimal prep time and can be ready in about 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with friends and family rather than in the kitchen.

Serving this salmon alongside seasonal vegetables not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a nutritious complement to the dish. Seasonal sides like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach can elevate the dining experience and make your meal feel special without requiring too much additional effort.

Cooking Tips and Variations

To ensure your salmon turns out perfectly every time, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Salmon is best when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This guarantees that the fish is fully cooked while maintaining its moist and flaky texture, ensuring a delightful eating experience.

Feel free to customize the glaze to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. Alternatively, you can incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavors even further. Personalizing the recipe allows you to make it uniquely yours while still keeping its foundational appeal.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare these ingredients before you begin cooking for a smooth cooking experience.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Salmon

Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the glaze generously over each fillet.

Bake the Salmon

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Once cooked, let the salmon sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its sweet and savory profile. Consider serving it with a light quinoa salad mixed with fresh vegetables for a refreshing contrast. A side of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta can also enhance the meal, adding a comforting touch to the overall experience.

For a lighter option, a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the salmon. Incorporating seasonal fruits such as slices of grapefruit or a handful of pomegranate seeds can also add a delightful burst of flavor and color to your plate.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salmon, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Allow the cooked salmon to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can typically last for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep.

Leftover salmon can be enjoyed cold on salads, in sandwiches, or even reheated gently in the oven to preserve its flaky texture. Just be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as salmon can quickly dry out. With a little creativity, you can transform your leftovers into exciting new meals without any waste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, other firm fish such as trout or cod can also work well with this glaze.

→ What can I serve with this salmon?

This salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Elevate your dinner with this Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon recipe, where tender salmon fillets are brushed with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Baked to perfection, this dish is a delightful balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or special occasions. Serve it alongside your favorite vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying dinner option that’s both easy and elegant.

Prep Time10.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time30.0

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4.0

What You'll Need

For the Salmon

  1. 4 salmon fillets
  2. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  3. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the glaze generously over each fillet.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g