Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

4 servings
My family loves this easy brown sugar salmon recipe! As the salmon bakes in the oven, the brown sugar rub melts and caramelizes into a delicious, sweet, smoky glaze. To make this a sheet pan dinner, toss your favorite veggies onto the baking sheet with the salmon. The article above has suggestions for which veggies work well in this recipe.

Ingredients

  • salmon fillets

    preferably wild-caught, about 6 ounces each

    4
  • olive oil
    1 tsp
  • brown sugar
    1 tbsp
  • lemon zest
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika or substitute chipotle powder for a spicier version
    ½ tsp
  • fine sea salt
    ¼ tsp
  • half of a lemon

    quartered

  • green beans or quick cooking veggie
    ¾ lb
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set aside a large rimmed baking sheet.

  2. 2

    Mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl.

  3. 3

    Pat the salmon fillets dry and rub them with olive oil.

  4. 4

    Scatter the brown sugar rub over the salmon, and gently massage it into the fish. Swipe the skin side of the salmon through any spice rub that’s fallen onto the cutting board. If you have the time, marinate the salmon for 10 to 15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, to the baking sheet.

  6. 6

    Toss the beans with a tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and then scatter them around the salmon on the baking sheet.

  7. 7

    Bake the salmon until it is cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes, depending on its thickness. We cook salmon until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125°F.

  8. 8

    Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon.

Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

25 min4 servings325 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a quick, flavorful dinner that delivers on both ease and taste? This easy Brown Sugar Baked Salmon recipe creates a mouthwatering sweet and smoky glaze that your whole family will adore, perfect for any weeknight.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet effective brown sugar rub. As the salmon bakes, this blend melts and caramelizes around the fillets, forming a delicious, slightly smoky crust that keeps the fish incredibly moist and tender. It’s a foolproof method for restaurant-quality salmon right in your own kitchen.

Expect perfectly cooked, flaky salmon coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze with subtle hints of lemon zest. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor, making each bite truly satisfying. This versatile dish can also transform into a complete sheet pan dinner; simply toss your favorite quick-cooking vegetables, like green beans, directly onto the baking sheet alongside the salmon for minimal cleanup and a balanced meal.

Feel free to customize your Brown Sugar Baked Salmon to suit your preferences. For those who enjoy a little heat, swap the smoked paprika for chipotle powder to add a spicier kick. You can also easily vary the quick-cooking vegetables you include on the sheet pan, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand. While any salmon will do, using wild-caught fillets is often preferred for their superior flavor and texture.

This Brown Sugar Baked Salmon is ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal, especially when made as a convenient sheet pan dinner. Serve it fresh from the oven for a complete and truly delightful experience.

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