Candied Salmon Recipe You’ll Crave

Oh, candied salmon – it’s that magical dish that turns first-time tasters into instant fans! I still remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s potluck, that perfect balance of sweet and savory had me hooked. What I love most is how simple ingredients like brown sugar and soy sauce transform humble salmon into something extraordinary. Over the years, I’ve perfected the glaze ratio – just enough sweetness to caramelize beautifully without overpowering the fish’s natural richness. Trust me, once you’ve made this version, you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to dish for everything from weeknight dinners to impressive dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Candied Salmon

This candied salmon recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks and food lovers alike. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

• Quick & easy: Just 10 minutes prep and 20 minutes baking time – dinner’s ready before you know it!
• Perfect flavor balance: That magical sweet-savory combo makes every bite irresistible.
• Versatile: Works equally well for casual weeknights or fancy dinners with guests.
• Forgiving: Even if you’re not precise with measurements, it still turns out delicious.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for that caramelized glaze.

The best part? It tastes way more sophisticated than the effort required – my kind of kitchen magic!

Ingredients for Candied Salmon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make my favorite candied salmon – trust me, each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect sweet-savory harmony:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless, your choice – I prefer skin-on for extra flavor)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown gives the richest flavor, but light works too)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use reduced-sodium to control saltiness)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (please, no bottled stuff – it makes all the difference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (helps the glaze cling beautifully to the fish)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground adds a lovely warmth)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic when I’m feeling fancy)

See? Nothing complicated – just pantry staples working together to create something extraordinary!

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How to Make Candied Salmon

Ready to make magic happen? This candied salmon comes together so easily you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every week! Just follow these simple steps – I’ve included all my little tricks learned from years of making this dish.

Preparing the Glaze

The glaze is where the magic starts! Grab your favorite mixing bowl (I use my trusty Pyrex one) and whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic powder. You’re going for a thick but pourable consistency – like maple syrup on a cold morning. Taste it! Too sweet? Add a splash more soy sauce. Too salty? A pinch more sugar balances it perfectly.

Coating and Baking the Salmon

Now for the fun part! Place your salmon fillet skin-side down (if it has skin) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour that gorgeous glaze over the salmon, then use a spoon or brush to spread it evenly across every inch – don’t be shy! The glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Pop it into your preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The exact time depends on your salmon’s thickness – you’ll know it’s done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the glaze forms tempting golden bubbles. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – this lets the juices redistribute for maximum flavor in every bite!

This Candied Salmon Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you’re looking for another seafood favorite with a twist, try these Air Fryer Salmon Patties—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Tips for Perfect Candied Salmon

After making this candied salmon dozens of times (and yes, learning from my mistakes), here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Fresh is best: Spring for fresh salmon if you can – that bright orange color and firm texture make all the difference.
• Play with sweetness: Start with 3/4 cup brown sugar if you’re nervous – you can always brush on more glaze halfway through baking.
• Watch the clock: Set a timer for 15 minutes and check – salmon overcooks fast and turns dry.
• Broil briefly: For extra caramelization, pop it under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes at the end (but watch like a hawk!).

Trust me, these little tricks will take your candied salmon from good to “Oh my god, can I have the recipe?” every time!

Serving Suggestions for Candied Salmon

Oh, the possibilities with this candied salmon! My absolute favorite way is over a bed of steaming jasmine rice – the sweet glaze makes the most incredible sauce when it mingles with the grains. For weeknights, I’ll toss together a quick Asian slaw or roast some broccoli with sesame oil. Feeling fancy? Top with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions right before serving. The salty-sweet flavors pair beautifully with crisp white wine or iced green tea for a complete meal that always gets rave reviews!

Storing and Reheating Candied Salmon

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten candied salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (it’ll turn that beautiful glaze gummy) – instead, warm it gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The texture stays perfect this way, almost like fresh from the oven!

Candied Salmon Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Swap brown sugar for maple syrup if you want deeper caramel notes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of bourbon to the glaze – trust me, these little tweaks create completely new flavor experiences while keeping that signature candied salmon magic!

Candied Salmon Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this delightful dish (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 10g (2g saturated, 6g unsaturated)
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 450mg

Remember – these values can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients (like using light vs dark brown sugar) or if you adjust the glaze quantities. But one thing’s constant – you’re getting a fantastic protein-packed meal with that irresistible sweet-savory combo we all love!

For even more seafood inspiration and trending recipes, explore our boards on Pinterest where delicious ideas are waiting for your next meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Candied Salmon Experience

I’d love to hear how your candied salmon turns out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, snap a photo of your creation, or share any clever twists you tried. Happy cooking!