5 from 21 votes
Brown Sugar Salmon Recipe
The Brown Sugar Salmon Recipe marinates fresh salmon fillets in a mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar overnight to infuse rich, sweet-savory flavors. The salmon is then pan-seared in sesame oil to develop a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender. This method creates a flavorful glaze with a balance of sweetness and umami, suitable for a main dish served with rice or vegetables.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
12 hrs
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
282 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Asian
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 6 6- ounce salmon fillets, fresh, wild-caught, skinned
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Pour the bourbon, soy, and brown sugar into a medium-sized bowl and whisk very well until completely combined, then transfer it to a plastic slider bag with the salmon and toss around and marinate in the refrigerator overnight or up to 48 hours, and 2 hours minimum.
- Once the salmon is done marinating, remove it from the bag and set it aside. Discard the marinade.
- Add the 3 tablespoons of sesame oil to a large sauté pan over medium heat and heat until the oil just begins to smoke lightly. Add in the salmon.
- Once the salmon is in the pan, turn the heat down to medium. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side for a medium to medium-well internal temperature. Be sure to watch closely, as the brown sugar and soy will want to burn rather quickly. It can go from caramelization to scorching very fast.
- When it’s finished cooking, remove it from the pan, and set it aside.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Marinate the salmon at least 2 hours and up to 48 hours in the refrigerator for optimal flavor infusion.
- Cook the salmon carefully as the brown sugar can burn quickly; watch for caramelization rather than charring.
- Best served immediately, but can be made up to 30 minutes ahead and kept warm before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheat salmon in a 350°F oven for 4-5 minutes or in the microwave until warm; reheat the sauce separately on low heat.
- Grilling is a suitable alternative: cook fish 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Thawed frozen salmon can be used with the same marinade and cooking method.
Nutrition Information
Calories
282kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
(24%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
31mg
(10%)
Sodium
1472mg
(61%)
Potassium
365mg
(8%)
Fiber
0.2g
(1%)
Sugar
24g
(48%)
Vitamin A
23IU
(0%)
Calcium
32mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 282kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 1472mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 365mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 23IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.