Make weeknights simple and delicious with this oven-baked brown sugar soy sauce salmon. Tender salmon fillets are coated in a sweet-and-savory glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, butter, and lemon, then baked to perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Prep and bake in about 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: Sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze elevates tender salmon.
- Versatile: Works with other fish like cod, halibut, or steelhead trout.
- Leftover Friendly: Extra sauce is perfect over rice, pasta, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs salmon fillet, skin-on or skinless
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup salted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or dill
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Remove salmon from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon skin-side down in a large baking dish. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved (2–3 minutes). Do not boil.
3. Bake the Salmon
- Pour the glaze evenly over the salmon and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 10–25 minutes, depending on thickness (approx. 10 minutes per inch).
- Optional: Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top.
4. Serve
- Transfer salmon to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or herbs.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Fish Alternatives: Cod, halibut, or steelhead trout work beautifully.
- Sweetener Swap: Use ¼ cup maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
Cooking Notes
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let salmon rest briefly after baking; it continues to cook slightly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be served cold, reheated gently, or added to salads.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or zucchini
- Drizzle leftover sauce over noodles or rice for an extra burst of flavor
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 315 kcal | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 20g | Sugar: 18g | Sodium: 1390mg
This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky—making weeknight dinners effortless and delicious.