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Irresistible Garlic Brown Sugar Salmon in Just 30 Minutes

Garlic Brown Sugar Salmon

This sweet and savory easy dinner idea is packed with flavor and caramelized perfection—ready in under 30 minutes for a major weeknight win!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or thyme (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear salmon in olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side. This gives that crispy golden crust with juicy inside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon. Simmer 2–3 minutes to create a rich, sticky glaze.
  3. Spoon the glaze over salmon, basting generously. Let it simmer another 2 minutes, until salmon is fully cooked and saucy magic happens.
  4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes for the best weeknight dinner upgrade.
  5. For extra flavor, remove the salmon and simmer the glaze for 1–2 more minutes to thicken. Pour over everything on your plate—you’re gonna want to lick the spoon!

Notes

  • Optional Dijon mustard adds depth to the glaze.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhance flavor.
  • Simmering the glaze longer thickens it for extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Salmon, Sweet and savory salmon recipe, Easy glazed salmon dinner, Brown sugar salmon skillet, Weeknight salmon recipe, Garlic butter salmon fillets, Sticky salmon glaze