If you are looking for an easy dinner, this Quick Brown Sugar Baked Salmon with Dijon is perfect. A coating of brown sugar caramelizes into a sweet crust while Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Roasted for under 12 minutes and dinner is ready.
Serve this salmon cold with a salad or with a side dish like Zesty Quinoa Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette to soak up every bit of the glaze. Leftovers stay juicy and reheat easily in the microwave or oven. Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for more flavor.
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Salmon makes for an easy dinner or serves a crowd when you have company. Consider also adding the Salmon With Citrus, Moroccan Salmon, or Smoked Salmon Frittata to your repertoire.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this salmon with brown sugar glaze:
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Variations
- Brown Sugar - Use dark brown sugar, instead of light brown sugar, for a deeper molasses taste, or coconut sugar for a hint of caramel without using a refined sweetener.
- Mustard - Whole-grain mustard adds more texture, honey mustard brings extra sweetness, or swap for maple syrup plus a pinch of dry mustard powder.
- Spicy - Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
- Flavor Boosters - Stir in minced garlic or grated ginger into the glaze for a twist.
How To Make Brown Sugar Baked Salmon: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Line a sheet pan with foil and brush with oil. Lay the salmon on the pan skin side down.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
Step 3: Brush the salmon with the brown sugar mixture.
Step 4: Roast for 12 minutes or until the salmon is done to your liking.
Recipe Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets dry before glazing so the sugar sticks and caramelizes evenly.
- Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Confidence Tip
Line your baking dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
This salad is terrific served cold. My favorite salads to use are the Arugula With Feta Salad, Chickpea Salad, or the Arugula With Goat Cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Defrost the salmon and then make sure to pat the salmon until dry before glazing.
You can add 2-3 minutes of roasting time per half-inch of extra thickness, and always check doneness with a fork. Your salmon should be starting to flake.
Absolutely. Grill skin-side down over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, tenting with foil for the last few minutes.
Side Dishes To Serve
Let me know your thoughts on Brown Sugar Baked Salmon by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Quick Brown Sugar Baked Salmon with Dijon
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 tbsps olive oil to coat the sheet pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Place the salmon on a foiled lined sheet pan.
- Brush the sheet pan with a small amount of olive oil.2 tbsps olive oil
- Lay the salmon skin side down on the pan.4 6 oz salmon fillets
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together to combine.¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the mixture to the top of the salmon, covering the top until coated.
- Place the pan on a rack in the top half of the oven and roast the salmon for 12 minutes or done to your liking. Serve.
Gwen Wolken says
A fave in our house!