Description
Rich brown sugar soy sauce salmon delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, promising a culinary journey through delicate Asian-inspired cuisine. Tender fish glazed with caramelized marinade makes dinner exciting for home chefs seeking restaurant-quality meals without complex preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt (0.5 teaspoons)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves completely and creates a glossy, harmonious marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, ensuring they are positioned in a single layer without overlapping.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, carefully coating each fillet evenly and allowing the fish to absorb the rich, tangy flavors for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Remove salmon from the marinade, gently patting the fillets dry with paper towels to ensure proper caramelization during cooking.
- Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet, arranging the fillets skin-side down with some space between each piece.
- Drizzle the remaining marinade over the fish, creating a glossy glaze that will intensify during roasting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, developing a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal before serving.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the fish, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
- Opt for wild-caught salmon when possible, as it typically provides a richer flavor and more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids compared to farm-raised varieties.
- Use a hot skillet or grill pan to create a beautiful caramelized exterior that locks in the sweet and savory marinade, giving the salmon a delightful crispy edge while keeping the inside moist and flaky.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, maintaining the dish’s delicious glazed texture without adding extra carbohydrates.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg