This glazed salmon recipe brings together the best of both worlds—heart-healthy fish and irresistibly savory-sweet glaze. Imagine tender, flaky salmon bathed in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whether you’re serving weeknight family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is simple yet sophisticated, offering rich flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall for this glazed salmon because it delivers bold, balanced taste with minimal prep. The tangy-sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding rich umami to the flaky salmon. It’s elegant enough for company but effortless enough for a weekday meal. Plus, serving it with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies transforms it into a complete meal in no time.
Ingredients
tip: you can find full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below
-
1½ lbs salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
-
½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
-
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
3 tablespoons lemon juice
-
¼ cup salted butter
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
-
Optional garnish: chopped green onion or parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salted butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just until smooth. Avoid boiling to maintain the glaze’s silky texture.
Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, in a baking dish. Brush the top with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the salmon. Cover the dish tightly with foil to preserve moisture during baking.
Bake the salmon for 10–25 minutes, depending on thickness—roughly 10 minutes per inch. For a caramelized finish, remove the foil during the last 2–3 minutes and broil under high heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Garnish with chopped green onion or parsley just before serving. It’s perfect over rice, noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Variations
Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a lighter sweetness. Add a ½ teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zing. Swap salted butter for unsalted and increase soy sauce slightly, adjusting to taste.
Heating and Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam or warm in a low oven—avoid high heat to keep the salmon tender. Leftover glazed salmon also works beautifully in salads or wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The thickest part should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use sweeteners other than brown sugar?
Yes—honey or maple syrup both work, though sweetness and consistency may vary.
Do I need to skin the salmon?
It’s optional. Skin-on helps retain moisture and is easy to remove after baking.
What should I serve with this salmon?
Rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or leafy greens make great accompaniments.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes—prepare and refrigerate the glaze up to a day ahead, then gently reheat before using.
Is it okay to bake from chilled?
Room-temperature salmon cooks more evenly, but you can bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
How do I avoid burning the glaze?
Broil at the very end for only 2–3 minutes and keep a close eye on it.
Can I reduce sodium in this recipe?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit added salt to make it lighter.
Can the glaze be used on other proteins?
Absolutely—this glaze works beautifully on chicken, pork chops, or tofu.
How thick should the salmon be for this glaze?
A thickness of 1 to 1½ inches works best for even cooking and glaze absorption.
Conclusion
Glazed salmon is a mouthwatering, fuss-free dish with chef-worthy flavors. It’s elegant but straightforward—home cooks love it, and guests are impressed. The sweet-savory glaze, tender fish, and optional broiled caramelization make this recipe a winner any day of the week.
Print
Glazed Salmon with Sweet Soy-Garlic Glaze
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender salmon fillet baked under a glossy, sweet-and-salty soy-garlic-lemon glaze. Ready in under 35 minutes; perfect for elegant weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
1½ lbs salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup salted butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional garnish: chopped green onion or parsley
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); let salmon sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
-
Simmer soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
-
Place salmon skin-side down in a baking dish, brush with olive oil, and season.
-
Pour glaze over salmon and cover tightly with foil.
-
Bake for 10–25 minutes (about 10 minutes per inch thickness).
-
Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized top.
-
Garnish with green onion or parsley and serve.
Notes
- Avoid boiling the glaze—it should remain smooth and pourable.Keep a close eye during broil to prevent burning.Room-temperature salmon bakes more evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Baking (with optional finishing under broiler)
- Cuisine: fusion
