Easy Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe
This Easy Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon recipe features tender oven-baked salmon filets coated in a sweet and spicy soy glaze, served over creamy garlic-infused orzo pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Glaze
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Salmon
- 4 salmon filets
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Orzo
- 16 oz orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Handful of fresh parsley (chopped (optional))
Instructions
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, brown sugar, chili flakes, soy sauce, 2 tbsp butter, lemon juice, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Return to medium heat and cook for another 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Finish the Glaze: Finish with the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter for a silky, glossy finish. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Season the Salmon: Season salmon filets with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil. Arrange on the tray.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake salmon for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon 1–2 tbsp of glaze over each filet, letting some drip onto the tray.
- Finish Baking: Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until salmon is flaky and caramelized.
- Make the Creamy Orzo: Cook orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Return to the pot over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Finish the Orzo: Stir in fresh parsley if using.
- Serve: Plate the salmon over a scoop of creamy orzo, drizzle with extra glaze, and garnish with more parsley or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Rinsing the orzo after cooking prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Finishing the glaze with cold butter adds a silky, glossy finish to the sauce.
- Using parchment paper on the baking tray makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Keywords: brown sugar soy glazed salmon, oven baked salmon recipe, creamy orzo pasta, easy salmon dinner, sweet and spicy salmon glaze
