Home » 30 Minute Meal » Brown Sugar Salmon

Brown Sugar Salmon

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Brown Sugar Salmon is a super way to prepare fresh salmon. Salmon is baked with a simple mixture of brown sugar, butter and simple spices. This salmon recipe is a perfect 30 minute meal idea for any night of the week!

salmon cooked in butter and brown sugar

How to Cook Salmon in the Oven

Cooking salmon in the oven is so easy to do and is really hands off. To cook this brown sugar salmon recipe in the oven start with a salmon filet that is 2 to 2 1/2 pounds. The salmon can be either skin on or skin off, I usually purchase salmon with the skin on.

Preheat the oven to 425º F while you prepare the salmon. Remove the salmon from the packaging and pat dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil, lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

This will also help A TON with clean up after the salmon is done baking. Just remove the foil from the pan and discard.

salmon filet on a piece of foil, topped with brown sugar and butter slices

To season the salmon sprinkle with garlic powder and sea salt. Top with the brown sugar and place the butter slices across the top of the salmon. The butter will melt down as the salmon cooks basting the salmon and adding flavor and moisture.

Pull up the sides of the foil on both sides on the salmon, creating a tent over the salmon. Crimp together the ends of the foil sealing them together to keep the heat and steam inside the foil while the salmon cooks.

salmon wrapped in foil on a baking sheet

How Long to Cook Salmon in the Oven

Place the prepared brown sugar salmon in the oven set to 425º F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake the salmon until becomes a lighter pink, almost opaque in color. The salmon should flake easily with you place a fork into it and pull.

If the salmon is still uncooked in the center, fold back up the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

salmon on foil with melted butter and brown sugar

Another way to check for the doneness of the salmon is with an instant read thermometer. The temperature on the thermometer should read between 125 and 145. The USDA recommends cooking the salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF, however that usually results in a pretty dry salmon.

This is the Instant Read Thermometer I use: (affiliate links)

I like to cook the salmon to 130ºF and then let it rest for about 5 minutes. The salmon will continue to cook and come up in temperature as it rests.

flaked salmon on foil

Carefully open the foil as it will be hot and steam will release as you open the foil tent. Spoon the brown sugar butter over the top of the salmon and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

How to store leftover salmon

If you have leftover salmon, or maybe you made this to eat throughout the week. Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

This recipe can also be frozen after it has been cooked. Allow to cool and place in a plastic freezer bag or vacuum sealed plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

salmon with melted butter and parsley

Other Salmon Recipes to Try:

We love simple salmon recipes on busy weeknights because they usually come together quickly and take just a few ingredients like this Pesto Salmon, Easy Baked Salmon, or Cast Iron Salmon.

If you are looking for other Family Friendly meals or desserts follow along with me on YouTube or Facebook where I share simple recipes to help you with Feeding Your Fam! Make sure to subscribe so you will be notified when a new recipe is shared.

Save the Recipe

Want to save this recipe?

Just enter your email and it will come right to your inbox!
Plus, you’ll get new recipes from us every week!


salmon cooked in butter and brown sugar
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Brown Sugar Salmon

Brown Sugar Salmon is a simple oven baked salmon recipe topped with brown sugar, butter and simple spices. Ready in just 30 minutes
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Resting Time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 279kcal

Ingredients

  • 2-2 1/2 pounds salmon, skin on or off
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4-5 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425º F. Prepare a baking sheet by placing two sheets of foil on the pan and spraying with cooking spray.
  • Prepare the salmon by patting dry with a paper towel. Place on the foil and season with salt and garlic powder.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the salmon
  • Slice the butter into 1 tablespoon slices and place across the top of the salmon
  • Bring up both sides of the foil and pinch together, forming a tent over the salmon.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork
  • Remove from the oven and spoon the melted brown sugar over the top of the salmon. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Top with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 406mg | Potassium: 715mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 316IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: 30 Minute Meal, Seafood
Keyword: Brown Sugar Salmon
Tried this recipe?Please Rate and Leave A Comment Below!

Brown Sugar Salmon is a super way to prepare fresh salmon. Salmon is baked with a simple mixture of brown sugar, butter and simple spices. This salmon recipe is a perfect 30 minute meal idea for any night of the week!

salmon topped with butter image on top and flaked, cooked salmon on bottom

What to serve with Oven Baked Brown Sugar Salmon:

Some of our favorite side dishes to this simple salmon recipe are:

Similar Posts

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. I made this for a family get together tonight and it was a big hit! This will be my go to salmon recipe from now on.

    1. Yay!! So happy it was a hit!! This is our go to recipe for salmon too! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment! 💕