Description
This easy Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon recipe features oven-baked salmon fillets coated in a buttery, tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes and pairs wonderfully with creamy orzo.
Ingredients
Scale
- Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Creamy Orzo (Optional):
- 16 oz orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Brown Sugar Soy Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, brown sugar, chili flakes, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Return to medium heat and cook for another 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Finish the glaze with the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter for a silky, glossy finish. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Season salmon filets with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil, ensuring the salmon skin side is down. Arrange on the tray.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spoon 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar soy glaze over each filet, letting some drip onto the tray.
- Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until salmon is flaky and caramelized.
- Make the Creamy Orzo (Optional): Cook orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse.
- Return the cooked orzo to the pot over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Serve: Plate the salmon over a scoop of creamy orzo, drizzle with extra brown sugar soy glaze, and garnish with more parsley or sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey in the glaze.
- If you don’t have chili flakes, use cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is mixed well to avoid lumps in the glaze.
- Do not overbake the salmon to keep it moist.
- Leftover brown sugar soy glazed salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
