Zesty Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe: A Swift Dinner Joy

The aroma of a perfectly cooked balsamic glazed salmon wafts through the kitchen, promising a culinary experience that marries rich, tangy flavors with delicate fish.

salmon sizzles in a sweet and robust balsamic reduction, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of caramelized edges and tender, flaky meat.

The glaze infuses the fish with a deep, complex taste that turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten the plate, adding a zesty counterpoint to the deep balsamic notes.

This recipe transforms a weeknight dinner into a special occasion, proving that gourmet cooking doesn’t require professional training.

Dive into this irresistible salmon dish and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 364 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Balsamic Glazed Salmon

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze, choose dark and rich for deeper flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides tangy depth and rich complexity, select aged variety for more intense taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings sharp, zesty undertones and helps emulsify the sauce, opt for smooth, high-quality brand.
• Garlic: Delivers robust aromatic punch, fresh cloves recommended over jarred versions.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and warmth, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami and adds subtle smoky note, choose traditional style.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate overall flavor profile.

• Salmon Fillet: Center of the dish, select fresh, wild-caught or high-quality farm-raised with bright color and firm texture.

• Foil: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, use heavy-duty for best results.

Tools That Help You Cook Balsamic Glazed Salmon

• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the delicious balsamic glaze ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for precise sauce measurements.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with foil for easy cleanup and even salmon cooking.
• Oven Mitts: Protect your hands when handling hot baking sheet.
• Basting Brush: Helps spread extra marinade during baking for maximum flavor.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing salmon if needed.

How to Glaze and Bake Balsamic Salmon Easily

Tangy Ocean Delight

• Flavor Foundation Mixing the sauce ingredients creates a sweet and spicy base that transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish. Blend balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a hint of red pepper for a complex flavor profile.
• Salmon Preparation Gently coat the salmon fillet with half the prepared sauce, allowing the marinade to infuse rich flavors. Let the fish rest in the refrigerator for a short time to absorb the delicious mixture.
• Oven Magic Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Arrange the marinated salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Cooking Perfection Bake the salmon until it reaches a perfect golden hue and flakes easily. Midway through cooking, brush additional sauce over the fish to enhance moisture and intensify the glaze.
• Elegant Serving Present the salmon hot, with a final drizzle of the remaining sauce. The glistening glaze adds a professional touch and bursts of sweet-tangy flavor that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Balsamic Salmon

• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the glazed salmon.
• Swap salmon with other fish like trout, halibut, or sea bass to create similar delicious glazed seafood dishes that match the original recipe's technique.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus, quinoa pilaf, or garlic-roasted vegetables to create a balanced plate that enhances the balsamic glazed salmon's complex flavor profile.
• Prepare the marinade and sauce up to 48 hours in advance, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator to streamline dinner preparation and intensify the sauce's flavors.

Ways to Plate and Serve Balsamic Glazed Salmon

• Elegant Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange the balsamic glazed salmon on a white porcelain plate with a delicate drizzle of extra sauce, creating an artistic swirl that highlights the salmon's rich caramelized glaze.
• Healthy Side Companion: Pair the salmon with a light quinoa salad studded with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, which complement the balsamic's tangy profile and add nutritional balance to the meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Plating: Surround the salmon with roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled asparagus spears, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to enhance the dish's Mediterranean flavors and provide textural contrast.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the salmon's richness and harmonizes with the balsamic vinegar's bright, acidic notes.

Keeping Balsamic Glazed Salmon Fresh for Later

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated salmon stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the delicate fish and diminish its balsamic glaze flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual salmon portions in tight plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Marinade Magic: Prepare the balsamic sauce up to 5 days in advance. Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a richer depth.

Succulent Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Perfecting balsamic glazed salmon requires careful balance of sweet and tangy flavors from premium ingredients. Professional chefs recommend pairing this elegant dish with roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) salmon fillet
• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsps (10 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic, minced or ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Glaze Preparation: Whisk brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2. Marinade Division: Split the prepared glaze into two equal portions, setting one half aside for later application during cooking.
3. Salmon Marination: Immerse salmon fillet in the first portion of sauce, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor absorption and tenderization.
4. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line a baking sheet with foil to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
5. Roasting Process: Place marinated salmon on prepared baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, periodically brushing with reserved marinade to maintain moisture and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove salmon from oven, let rest briefly, then generously drizzle remaining glaze over the fillet to create a glossy, flavor-packed presentation.
7. Serving: Present warm salmon immediately, showcasing its glistening balsamic coating and inviting aroma.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Reserve half the glaze before adding raw salmon to prevent cross-contamination and create a fresh finishing sauce.
• Temperature Watch: Cook salmon until internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure food safety without compromising delicate texture.
• Flavor Enhancing Technique: Brush additional marinade midway through cooking to boost moisture and intensify taste without drying out the fish.
• Resting Matters: Allow salmon to rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and perfectly seasoned.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 364
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg