If you are craving a dish that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly flavorful, this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the brown sugar and cayenne, and a lovely golden caramelized top, this recipe brings out the best in succulent salmon fillets. Pair it with crisp asparagus, broccolini, and juicy cherry tomatoes roasted alongside for a vibrant, healthy, and visually stunning meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Trust me, once you try this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners or whenever you want something special yet effortlessly impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to nail the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role, from the flaky salmon that’s the star, to the vegetables that add freshness and color, to the glaze ingredients that bring a delightful sweetness and a gentle kick.
- 4 x 5-8 oz salmon fillets: Fresh and firm, skin on for the best texture and flavor retention.
- 2 bunches asparagus: Adds a crisp, earthy crunch that complements the salmon beautifully.
- 1 bunch broccolini: Mildly sweet and tender, broccolini blends well with asparagus and adds color variation.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their juicy burst brightens up the dish and balances the savory tones.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to lightly coat the vegetables, helping them roast evenly and develop color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything perfectly without overpowering natural flavors.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the glaze.
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise: Helps create a creamy, smooth base for the glaze, ensuring it sticks well to the salmon.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: The secret to that irresistible caramelized finish on the salmon.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Offers just a hint of warmth and spice, elevating the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Broiler
Start by preheating your broiler on high and positioning the oven rack about 6 inches (15cm) from the heat source. This setup is key to achieving that beautiful caramelized finish on the salmon while roasting the vegetables perfectly underneath.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Tray
Lightly spray or brush a baking tray with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the vegetables and fish cook evenly. Olive oil also lends a subtle fruity flavor, enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients.
Step 3: Toss the Vegetables
Combine asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes on the tray. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the veggies, ensuring each piece is coated with oil and seasoning. Spread them mostly in a single layer for even roasting.
Step 4: Add the Salmon
Nestle the salmon fillets between the vegetables on the tray. Don’t forget to lightly season each piece with salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavor.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze
Mix together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This glaze is the heart of the Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe, providing that perfect sweet and spicy balance. Generously slather it onto the top and sides of each salmon fillet for maximum flavor and caramelization.
Step 6: Broil to Perfection
Broil the tray for about 8 minutes without flipping. The salmon should develop a gorgeous caramelized crust on top, thanks to the brown sugar glaze, while staying tender and slightly pink on the inside. The veggies will also roast to tender-crisp perfection during this time.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve immediately with some crusty bread rolls to soak up any delicious juices, and get ready for applause!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill add a burst of color and a fresh aroma that complements the sweet and spicy glaze. A thin lemon wedge on the side can also brighten the dish with a quick squeeze of citrus before eating.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands wonderfully on its own with the roasted vegetables, but you can elevate the meal with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a refreshing quinoa salad. The mild sides let the salmon glaze shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the salmon fillets over a bed of the roasted veggies on large platters. Sprinkle finishing touches like toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a slight tang. This turns your Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe into a restaurant-worthy centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes a perfect next-day lunch that still tastes fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the salmon, it’s best to keep the cooked salmon and veggies separate, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Use within 1 month for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps prevent the salmon from drying out and keeps the glaze nicely caramelized.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can work well if it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help the glaze stick and the salmon to broil properly.
What if I don’t have broccolini, can I substitute it?
Absolutely! Tenderstem broccoli or even green beans make great substitutes, offering similar texture and flavor balance to the dish.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the glaze?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps the glaze adhere better to the salmon, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or simply omit it if you prefer a lighter glaze.
How spicy is the Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds just a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can adjust the amount to suit your tolerance for spice.
Can I cook this salmon without a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, a very hot oven set to the highest temperature and using a grill pan or baking tray near the top can work, though the caramelization might be slightly less intense.
Final Thoughts
Making the Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe feels like crafting a piece of edible joy that’s as quick as it is delicious. This dish brings together bright, bold flavors with a beautiful caramelized finish that can satisfy any craving for something special without a lot of fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy those perfectly broiled salmon fillets with the vibrant roasted vegetables. Once you do, I’m pretty sure this recipe will be landing on your favorites list too!
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Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon recipe features succulent salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture and broiled to perfection alongside fresh asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes. The salmon caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, creating a flavorful crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread rolls.
Ingredients
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 x 5-8 oz (150-180g) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 bunches asparagus
- 1 bunch broccolini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole egg mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler or grill to high heat and position the oven rack about 6 inches (15cm) from the heat source to ensure proper caramelization.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Lightly spray or brush a baking tray with olive oil to prevent sticking and help roast the vegetables evenly.
- Arrange Vegetables: Place the asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes on the tray. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything by hand to coat well, then spread the vegetables mostly in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add Salmon to Tray: Nestle the salmon fillets between the vegetables on the tray. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salmon to season.
- Mix and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, whole egg mayonnaise, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Spread this glaze generously over the tops and sides of each salmon fillet for a sweet and spicy crust.
- Broil the Salmon: Place the tray under the broiler and cook for 8 minutes without flipping. The salmon should develop a caramelized surface while remaining pink and tender inside.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes off the heat, then serve alongside the roasted vegetables and crusty bread rolls to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets for easier handling and additional flavor, but skinless works fine as well.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level.
- Resting the salmon after broiling helps juices redistribute for moistness.
- Serve with crusty bread rolls to soak up the flavorful juices and glaze.
- Vegetables can be substituted with other favorites like green beans or zucchini if preferred.
