Description
A quick and easy baked salmon recipe featuring a sweet and savory brown sugar garlic marinade, perfect for busy weeknights and family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each), fresh or thawed frozen, skin-on or skinless
- 3 tablespoons (40g) light brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush or spoon the marinade evenly over each salmon fillet, including some garlic bits on top.
- Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Check at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Notes
[‘Pat salmon dry before marinating to ensure a good caramelized crust.’, ‘Watch bake time carefully to avoid drying out the salmon.’, ‘Use fresh garlic for best flavor; jarred garlic can taste metallic.’, ‘Line baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.’, ‘Double the marinade and brush on halfway through baking for extra glossy finish.’, ‘Optional: add red pepper flakes for heat or roast vegetables alongside salmon for a full meal.’, ‘Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.’, “Marinate salmon no longer than 30 minutes to prevent ‘cooking’ from lemon juice acid.”]
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (abo
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 34
Keywords: brown sugar salmon, garlic salmon, baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, family-friendly salmon