Spicy-Sweet Glazed Salmon
I looked for a recipe for glazed salmon and didnt find one that used the ingredients I had on hand. So I threw together what I had and came up with this tangy, spicy sweet marinade that adds flavor, but doesnt mask the flavor of the salmon. My kids and sister loved it. They said it was better than restaurant salmon. Its great served with wild rice and stir fried veggies.
I looked for a recipe for glazed salmon and didnt find one that used the ingredients I had on hand. So I threw together what I had and came up with this tangy, spicy sweet marinade that adds flavor, but doesnt mask the flavor of the salmon. My kids and sister loved it. They said it was better than restaurant salmon. Its great served with wild rice and stir fried veggies.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh salmon fillet with skin removed
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Carbohydrate 33.0568964630304 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.59532491354658 g
- Fiber 2.59623181074796 g
- Protein 4.33108878292196 g
- Saturated Fat 0.355417274132298 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (328g)
- Sodium 44.1006916187533 mg
- Sugar 30.4606646522824 g
- Trans Fat 0.220034740801428 g
- Calories 160 calories
Step-by-step
- Place salmon in a shallow, flat dish, and set aside.
- Combine the vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, cilantro, and brown sugar in a blender. Blend until brown sugar dissolves.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon to cover evenly.
- Cover the dish, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Line a broiling pan with foil.
- Remove salmon from marinade, and place on prepared broiling pan; season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Transfer remaining marinade to a saucepan.
- Turn on broiler to low.
- Broil salmon about 6 inches from the heat for 5 minutes; brush with remaining marinade.
- Broil an additional 5 to 10 minutes, brushing 2 or 3 more times with additional marinade. Salmon is done when fish is no longer bright red and can be flaked with a fork.
- Meanwhile, cook the remaining marinade over low heat until it thickens and reduces by one-third, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use cooked marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzle over salmon just before serving.
My Family's Favorite Spicy-Sweet Glazed Salmon
As a busy working mom, finding quick and delicious meals that my family actually enjoys is a constant quest. I'm always looking for ways to make weeknight dinners easier, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This Spicy-Sweet Glazed Salmon recipe has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. It's incredibly simple to make, takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and consistently garners rave reviews from everyone – even my picky eaters!
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often adapt it based on what’s in my fridge, which makes it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. Sometimes, I'll swap out the cilantro for fresh parsley or even a little dill. Other times, depending on the season, I might add some thinly sliced bell peppers or onions to the marinade for extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are really endless! The key is the balance between sweet, spicy and tangy. That's what makes this salmon stand out from any other recipe I've tried.
The marinade itself is a delightful combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy red wine vinegar, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. This simple yet sophisticated flavor profile perfectly complements the rich, buttery texture of the salmon. The marinade does a fantastic job of adding flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the salmon— a delicate balance I always appreciate in cooking.
Serving suggestions? Oh, there are many! My family loves it served over a bed of fluffy wild rice, along with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal. But it also pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, quinoa, or even a simple green salad. It’s also a great option for a dinner party or special occasion; it always looks impressive and tastes even better.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little creativity in the kitchen. It’s a reminder that even the busiest among us can create delicious, memorable meals for our families, and that's something I truly cherish. This salmon recipe has become a family favorite and a go-to meal when we're short on time but still want something truly special. And with that thought, I'll probably be making it again very soon!
Ingredients I use (adjust to your taste):
- Fresh Salmon Fillet (skin removed or on, your preference!)
- Brown Sugar (packed)
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Soy Sauce (low sodium is a good option)
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Water
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, use less; for more heat, add more.
- Marinating Time: While 2 hours is ideal, you can marinate the salmon for longer— up to overnight— for even more intense flavor. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
- Broiling vs. Baking: If you prefer, you can bake the salmon in the oven instead of broiling it. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! Parsley, dill, and thyme all work well with salmon and complement this marinade beautifully.
- Add-ins to the Marinade: Feel free to add other ingredients to the marinade, such as minced ginger, a touch of honey, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!
