This Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Salmon is tender, flaky, and coated in a delicious caramelized glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of lemon.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Pan-Seared or Baked
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on soy sauce saltiness)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Brown Sugar Soy Sauce Glaze
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (Optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook the Salmon (Pan-Seared Method)
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown.
Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then pour the glaze into the skillet.
Let the glaze simmer for 2 minutes, spooning it over the salmon as it thickens.
3. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and lemon wedges.
Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Alternative: Baked Brown Sugar Soy Salmon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place salmon fillets in a foil-lined baking dish.
Pour the glaze over the salmon.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes to caramelize the top.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Notes
Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Add pineapple juice for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor!
Want a thicker glaze? Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water, and stir into the glaze.