Ingredients:

  • 3 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) each
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp (35g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Note: This prevents the sugar from baking onto your pan.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Until the surface feels matte and not slippery. Note: Moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Season the salmon fillets with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Note: Don't over salt, as the soy sauce already brings plenty of sodium.
  5. Generously spoon the glaze over each fillet. Use the back of the spoon to create an even coating from edge to edge.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes. Until the fish is opaque on the edges but still slightly translucent in the very center.
  7. Turn the broiler on high for the final 2 minutes. Watch closely until the top is bubbling and mahogany colored. Note: Sugar burns in seconds under a broiler, so don't walk away!
  8. Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes. Until the glaze sets and becomes tacky.