Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and feels a little fancy without the fuss, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe is one of those go-to meals I turn to when I want something healthy, comforting, and impressive all at once. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, locking in the salmon’s moisture while the roasted asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes add just the right fresh bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor. When selecting your vegetables, I recommend choosing thinner asparagus and broccolini stalks for even cooking. And feel free to use skin-on salmon for an extra crispy finish!

• Salmon fillets: Fresh is best, and I love using skin-on for that crisp texture under the broiler.
• Asparagus: Look for pencil-thin stalks for quicker, even roasting.
• Broccolini: Adds a tender crunch and complements the asparagus beautifully.
• Cherry tomatoes: They roast down into juicy, sweet bursts that brighten the dish.
• Olive oil: A drizzle ensures the veggies roast perfectly without drying out.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out natural flavors.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy kick to the brown sugar glaze.
• Mayonnaise: I use whole egg mayo for creaminess that helps balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: The star of the glaze — it caramelizes to golden perfection.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds subtle heat to wake up your taste buds.

Variations

I love that this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe is so flexible — you can tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in season. Over time, I’ve learned that small swaps can keep it fresh and exciting.

• Veggie Swap: If you’re not a fan of broccolini, try green beans or zucchini for a similar texture.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash more cayenne or some smoked paprika for a smoky twist I once tried that my friends loved.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad instead of bread rolls.
• Rich and Creamy: Mixing a tiny bit of cream cheese into the glaze adds a luscious texture your family might adore.

How to Make Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broiler and Veggies

First things first, preheat your broiler on high and position your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source — this distance is key to get that perfect caramelization. While it’s heating up, spray a baking tray with olive oil to prevent sticking. Toss the asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out in mostly a single layer on the tray. This helps them cook evenly and get just a bit of char.

Step 2: Add the Salmon and Glaze It Up

Now, nestle your salmon fillets right in between the vegetables on the tray — don’t crowd them, so air circulates well. Lightly salt and pepper the salmon. Next, whisk together the glaze ingredients: Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Slather this glorious mix generously over the tops and sides of each salmon piece. A little trick I discovered: if you have leftover glaze, toss your cherry tomatoes in it before placing them on the tray — it ups the flavor game dramatically!

Step 3: Broil Until Perfect

Pop the tray under your broiler for about 8 minutes. No flipping needed! The salmon should turn a lovely caramelized golden on top while staying tender and beautifully pink inside. Keep an eye on it because broilers can vary — you want that glaze to bubble and darken just right without burning. When it’s done, let everything rest for a couple of minutes. This little pause helps the juices settle so each bite is juicy and tender.

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe

How to Serve Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a little lemon zest on top right before serving — it brightens the dish and adds a fresh aroma that wakes up your palate. A few cracked black peppercorns on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this are crusty bread rolls to soak up all the delicious juices, or a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. If I’m feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes make for a perfect cozy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve each salmon fillet on a bed of the roasted veggies arranged artistically with a drizzle of extra glaze over the top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes it feel restaurant-worthy and special for guests without any extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge — they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The salmon stays moist and flavorful, and the roasted veggies retain their texture surprisingly well.

Freezing

While I recommend enjoying this recipe fresh for best texture, I have frozen leftover salmon fillets wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When you thaw and gently reheat, the glaze might lose some crispness but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. If you want the glaze crisp again, remove the foil for the last few minutes or broil carefully for just a minute.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Vegetables Recipe comes together effortlessly, yet delivers big on flavor and wow factor. When I first tried broiling salmon this way with that sweet-spicy glaze, it was a game changer for me—quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your favorite easy dinners for busy days and special moments alike. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out!

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