Go Back
+ servings

Garlic-Butter Brown-Sugar Salmon

A quick and flavorful salmon dish featuring a sweet and savory garlic-butter brown sugar glaze, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the salmon
  • 4 pieces salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) Skin-on or skinless will work.
  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter Or compound butter / softened butter mixed with 1 clove minced garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt Reduce if using kosher salt to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked or sweet.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Light or dark. Substitute: honey or maple syrup (reduce to 1 tablespoon) for a liquid sweetener.
For serving
  • Lemon slices For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced a little apart.
  4. Brush each fillet with the garlic butter, making sure the top is coated. Drizzle the olive oil over the fillets.
  5. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar spice mix over each fillet, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque. If using an instant-read thermometer, check for your preferred doneness.
  2. Serve immediately with lemon slices squeezed over the fish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 27gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 350mgSugar: 3g

Notes

For a lower-sugar option, swap brown sugar for a teaspoon of sugar-free sweetener or skip it and add a squeeze of lemon after baking. For meal prep, store salmon atop grains and keep any dressing or delicate salads separate until serving. Bring salmon to room temperature for even cooking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!