Looking for an easy and elegant main course that requires very little effort? Look no further! This Baked Salmon with Butter and Brown Sugar is just what you are looking for.
It is my belief that the best kind of entertaining is unfussy and uncomplicated, and this is just that kind of dish. And yet this salmon recipe manages to wow and impress with its good looks and delicious, rich flavor. Who says you can't have it all? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions for baking this easy salmon dish at home!
Why This Recipe Works
- The salmon is topped very simply with salt, pepper and a bit of brown sugar and then dotted with butter before baking. This gives the salmon a rich, caramelized flavor while it bakes.
- It takes only a few minutes to prepare!
- This recipe is very versatile. Serve on its own or with a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- Salmon is the star of the show so it is important to find high quality, fresh salmon for this recipe. Look for center cut pieces (skin on or off works is fine), if possible, that are even in thickness. I try to avoid the skimpy, thin tail end pieces as they are likely to overcook in the oven.
- Butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper bring richness and simple flavor. Rather than making the salmon overly sweet, the brown sugar adds a subtle caramelized flavor as it combines with the butter as it bakes. SO delicious and simple!
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
How to Make this Recipe
- Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (for super easy clean up) and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the salmon filets on the baking sheet. Rub them evenly with the brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper and dot with butter.
- Bake until cooked through, about 8-12 minutes (depending on thickness of the filets and your desired degree of doneness. See the FAQ portion below for more information).
- Serve immediately!
Expert Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh salmon that is even in thickness. Because this is such a simple dish, it is really important to make sure that the salmon itself is fresh and delicious. For more tips on choosing the very best salmon at the market, check out the FAQ section below.
- For ease and convenience, feel free to leave the skin on the salmon while it bakes in the oven. It can be hard to remove prior to baking if your fish monger hasn't already done that for you. Once the filets are cooked, you can slide a thin spatula between the skin and the salmon filet. This will allow you to remove the filet leaving the skin behind on the baking sheet. If your salmon already has the skin removed, that works too.
FAQs
For starters, make sure you are shopping at a grocery store or fish market that has high turnover and is frequently restocking its supply of fresh fish. Good salmon should smell fresh, not fishy. The flesh will be firm to the touch, not soft and mushy. The color will range from pink to red, but steer clear of salmon that has a brown or tannish hue. Finally, if you are in doubt, ask the fish monger for help. They should be knowledgeable about their product and be able to tell you more about how fresh the fish is and where it comes from.
This is really a matter of personal preference. Some people like their salmon cooked to medium-rare (the flesh will still be slightly translucent and appear brighter in color on the inside), while others prefer it cooked to medium or all the all the way through. Here are the ranges of internal temperatures for salmon:
Medium Rare: An internal temperature of 125 to 130 degrees F. (The center of the salmon filet will be somewhat translucent and brighter in color).
Medium: An internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F. (The center will be more opaque but still slightly translucent).
Well Done: An internal temperature of 145 degrees F. (The fish will be flaky and opaque throughout).
For what it's worth, the USDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
This salmon is best enjoyed immediately after baking it, but you can get everything prepped and onto the baking sheet up to a couple of hours ahead of time. Cover the baking sheet with plastic and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to slide it in the oven.
Leftovers will keep well for up to three days tightly covered in the refrigerator.
What to Serve with this Recipe
This salmon is absolutely delicious on its own and needs no embellishment. BUT a sauce is always nice, especially for entertaining. I recommend this easy Creamy Mustard Dill Sauce. It's a perfect pair with the salmon and can be prepared a day ahead of time. Simply reheat when the time comes and serve alongside the salmon. For side dishes, consider these tasty options:
- Green Beans with Dill Caper Butter and Toasted Hazelnuts
- Spicy Quick Pickled Beets
- Quick Swedish Pickled Cucumbers
- Creamy Mushroom Gratin
- Warm Barley Salad with Fresh Garden Herbs
- Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Pecans
- Celery Root Puree
- Foolproof Everyday Mashed Potatoes
Related Recipes
Looking for more tasty Scandinavian-inspired salmon dishes? Give these a try!
Put this Baked Salmon with Butter and Brown Sugar on the menu the next time you have people over. It's an easy and elegant crowd-pleaser that will leave you free to enjoy the time with your guests rather than fussing in the kitchen.
Recipe
Baked Salmon with Butter and Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets (skin on or off is fine) about 6 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Rub sugar evenly over salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Dot evenly with butter pieces.
- Bake salmon until it is firm and opaque throughout and has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 10-14 minutes. Serve immediately (with Warm Mustard Dill Sauce if desired).
Notes
For what it's worth, the USDA recommends that salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Nutrition
If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Baked Salmon with Butter and Brown Sugar and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.
Aud says
Too early, just saw this, will check out the recipes, thank you!