Join Our Newsletter
Get our best recipes and health tips delivered right to your inbox!
This Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory in a simple one pan dinner recipe that’s ready in just one hour. The brown sugar glaze for salmon caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, while tender red onions roast alongside. Served over brown rice with broccoli, this dish becomes a complete and nourishing, fiber-rich dinner that doubles as a high protein salmon meal prep option. With 26 grams of protein per serving, low saturated fat (1g per serving), and vibrant veggies, it’s one of the best heart healthy salmon recipes to keep on repeat for delicious weeknight-friendly meals.
If you cannot get enough of this salmon with brown sugar glaze, let our other amazing healthy salmon recipes entice your taste buds! And like this recipe, we have a delicious lineup of one-pan meals that not only save you time while cooking, but save time during cleanup, too!
Sweet-Savory Glazed Salmon for a Heart-Healthy Dinner
This soy glazed salmon is a top pick for a healthy weeknight dinner or high protein salmon meal prep. The glaze uses just two pantry staples: brown sugar and soy sauce, which caramelize beautifully under the broiler and add bold flavor without needing extra oil or salt. Each 4-ounce fillet has 26 grams of protein with only 379 mg sodium per serving, meeting our heart healthy salmon recipe standards. Broccoli steams directly in the rice pot, cutting down on extra prep and dishes. The full plate of salmon and brown rice delivers fiber, protein, and slow-digesting carbs, making it one of our best diabetic salmon recipes, too.
Watch closely in the last few minutes. The glaze also helps lock in moisture, so don’t skip it.
Yes, just place the salmon and onions on a sheet of foil or grill pan to prevent sticking. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, brushing with the glaze in the last few minutes.
Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Add the glaze during the last 2 minutes so it caramelizes without burning.
Absolutely. This meal is high in protein, low in saturated fat, and portion-friendly, which are all important for a GLP-1 diet plan.
Yes, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and may help lower inflammation. It’s often recommended as part of a heart healthy salmon recipe plan.
Salmon is very high in protein. A 4-ounce serving of cooked salmon has about 23 to 26 grams of protein. That makes it an excellent choice for high protein salmon recipes and meal prep.
Yes, a plain 4-ounce portion of salmon has around 200 calories. Paired with fiber-rich sides, it creates a healthy recipe that’s satisfying without excess calories.
Eating salmon regularly may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol due to its healthy fats and protein. It also supports overall cardiovascular health when part of a balanced diet.
Salmon does contain cholesterol, but it's also high in unsaturated fats and omega-3s that support healthy cholesterol levels. It’s considered a smart choice for people managing cholesterol.
Yes, fresh salmon is naturally gluten free. Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari when making a recipe like this one.
Yes, salmon is carb-free and high in protein, making it a great option in many diabetic salmon recipes. It pairs well with fiber-rich sides that support blood sugar control.
Not exactly. Salmon is higher in fat than some fish, but most of that fat is heart-healthy omega-3s. It’s a nutrient-dense protein that fits into many healthy recipe plans.
These recipes bring bold, sticky flavor without the heavy sugars or sodium you’ll find in restaurant versions. Each one is a lighter take on classic glazed salmon meals, built for everyday cooking.
Looking for more ideas to fit salmon into your routine? These blogs cover everything from easy salmon meal prep to choosing the healthiest cooking methods.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Preheat broiler. In a bowl, combine brown sugar and soy sauce; set aside.
Cook rice according to package directions, stirring in broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Lightly coat a shallow baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the salmon and onion in baking pan. Drizzle with oil and season with black pepper.
Broil the salmon, spooning half the sugar and soy sauce glaze over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of cooking, until the salmon is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve the salmon and onion over the rice with the remaining glaze.
Use maple syrup or honey. They will still give you a deliciously sticky, sweet finish.
Be sure to use gluten-free certified soy sauce or tamari.
Try shallots for a more garlicky finish.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.