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Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
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Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

This quick and easy Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon is pan-seared until perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, then finished with a sticky-sweet and savory glaze. Infused with garlic, soy, ginger, and lemon, the sauce adds a bold punch of flavor. It’s a reliable 30-minute dinner that pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or salad for a wholesome meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brown sugar salmon, easy salmon dinner, glazed salmon, pan seared salmon, sweet and savory salmon
Servings: 4
Calories: 284kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 equal pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

Prep the Salmon

  • Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  • Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, ginger, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch. Set aside.

Sear the Salmon

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, flip the salmon, and cook for another 2–3 minutes or until nearly cooked through.

Glaze the Salmon

  • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  • Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet between the salmon pieces.
  • Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 20–30 seconds, then remove the skillet from heat.
  • Flip the salmon one more time and spoon the thickened glaze over the top.

Serve

  • Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
  • The skin will be crispy and flavorful, but it can be removed if preferred.

Notes

Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness (thinner fillets cook faster).
Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in two batches if necessary.
For easy ginger grating, freeze fresh ginger and use a Microplane or zester.