Tender, flaky oven-baked salmon is coated in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce, then lightly caramelized for a sweet and savory finish. This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Salmon is the perfect blend of flavor and simplicity, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers beautifully balanced flavors—sweet from the honey and brown sugar, tangy from the Dijon mustard, and savory from the soy sauce and garlic. The glaze thickens into a delicious, sticky coating that clings to the salmon as it bakes. It’s quick to prepare, cooks in under 20 minutes, and results in a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets, skinless
Brown sugar
Honey
Soy sauce
Dijon mustard
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat.
Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the fillets, reserving a few spoonfuls for later.
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Optional: Broil for the final 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Drizzle with reserved glaze and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 340 kcal

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha to increase the heat.
Maple Twist: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Citrus Touch: Add a splash of orange or lime juice to the glaze for brightness.
Ginger Infusion: Stir in grated fresh ginger for a more aromatic profile.
Grill Option: Grill the salmon instead of baking for a slightly smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, warm in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the salmon.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before using to ensure even cooking and better glaze adhesion.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Atlantic or Pacific salmon both work well. Look for fillets that are even in thickness for uniform cooking.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using.

What sides go well with glazed salmon?

Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I use skin-on salmon?

Yes, but place the salmon skin-side down in the baking dish. The skin will help retain moisture but can be removed after cooking if desired.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I double the glaze?

Yes, doubling the glaze is ideal if you prefer extra sauce for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it contains no butter, milk, or cream.

Can I use this glaze on other fish?

Yes, it works well on other firm fish such as cod, halibut, or trout.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. With its quick cooking time and versatile glaze, it’s a great choice for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a healthy, satisfying seafood meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Salmon

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Tender oven-baked salmon fillets glazed with a rich, sweet, and savory brown sugar honey sauce. A quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
Pour glaze evenly over salmon, reserving a few spoonfuls for serving.
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Drizzle with reserved glaze, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.