Flaky Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Hey there, friends!

Are you in the mood for a delicious dinner idea?

Today, I’m excited to share my brown sugar baked salmon recipe!

This dish is sweet, savory, and super easy to whip up.

Plus, it’s healthy and packed with flavor.

You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and everyone will be asking for seconds! Let’s dive in!

brown sugar baked salmon
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Ingredient Substitutions

For the salmon fillets, steelhead trout or arctic char can be used as alternatives. These fish have similar textures and flavors to salmon, and can be cooked using the same method. They also provide comparable nutritional benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids.

Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option. Use the same amount of coconut sugar, or slightly less maple syrup due to its liquid form. These substitutions will maintain the caramelization effect while offering different flavor nuances.

Green beans can be swapped with asparagus, broccoli florets, or sugar snap peas. These vegetables have similar cooking times and will complement the salmon well. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the chosen vegetable’s thickness. For a lower-carb option, consider using zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead.

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 12-15 minutes
Total Time 22-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 800-900
  • Protein: 100-110 g
  • Fat: 40-50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets weighing 6 ounces each, ideally wild-caught
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a spicier taste
  • Half a lemon, cut into quarters
  • 3/4 pound green beans or another quick-cooking vegetable
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Set aside a large rimmed baking sheet to use later for baking the salmon and green beans.

Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and smoked paprika.

This will create a flavorful rub for the salmon fillets.

Step 3: Season the Salmon Fillets

Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel, then rub a small amount of olive oil over them.

Scatter the brown sugar rub over the fillets, gently massaging it into the fish to ensure even flavor distribution.

If any spice rub falls onto the cutting board, swipe the skin side of the salmon through it.

If time allows, let the salmon marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Arrange Salmon and Green Beans on the Baking Sheet

Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet.

In a separate bowl, toss the green beans with a tablespoon of olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then scatter them around the salmon on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon and Green Beans

Bake in the preheated oven until the salmon is cooked through, which should take approximately 12 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.

For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F in the thickest part of the salmon.

Step 6: Serve with Lemon Wedges

Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it and the green beans from the oven.

Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon to add a fresh burst of flavor.

brown sugar baked salmon
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

brown sugar baked salmon
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

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