12‑minute brown sugar salmon: A simple recipe for flavor
Salmon is one of the most popular fish and can be prepared in various ways. Whether baking, frying, or wrapping it in puff pastry, there’s a method to suit everyone’s taste. For a quick dinner, try making juicy salmon in just 12 minutes.
Salmon is a great addition to your daily diet due to its nutritional benefits. It can be cooked in numerous ways, and regular consumption may help improve health and well-being.
The secret to salmon's flavor
To prepare juicy salmon, consider using a special marinade. The fish doesn’t require a lot of seasoning to taste delicious. Joanne Gallagher, co-founder of Inspired Taste and an experienced cook, recommends a recipe using brown sugar to enhance the texture and flavor of salmon.
Baked salmon with brown sugar is a delicious and simple dinner. Our easy mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and lemon zest is perfect for salmon fillets. It caramelizes into a sweet and smoky glaze in the oven, explains Joanne.
Brown sugar helps retain moisture, keeping the salmon juicy and tender during baking, and prevents it from drying out. Plus, the molasses in brown sugar creates a beautifully caramelized crust, enriching the fish’s flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Baked salmon in 12 minutes: step-by-step recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Half a lemon (cut into quarters)
- A pinch of salt
- Olive oil
Method of preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 392°F (or 356°F with a fan). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Thoroughly dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, lemon zest, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Generously coat the salmon fillets with the sugar mixture, rubbing it well into the fish. If time allows, let the salmon marinate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down, and place them in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite salad and pearl couscous or rice. If desired, add lemon wedges to squeeze over the salmon before serving.
