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10 Irresistible Grilled Salmon Recipes with Brown Sugar for Flawless Dinners

BySarah

Grilled salmon with brown sugar is a match made in culinary heaven. The caramelized sweetness of brown sugar perfectly balances the rich buttery flavor of salmon creating a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. Below we’ve compiled 10 mouthwatering recipes—each with detailed ingredients step-by-step instructions and pro tips to ensure perfection every time.

1. Classic Brown Sugar & Soy Sauce Grilled Salmon

This restaurant-quality dish is a crowd-pleaser featuring a sweet-savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Marinate: In a bowl whisk soy sauce brown sugar water olive oil lemon pepper garlic and salt. Place salmon in a resealable bag pour marinade over it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
  2. Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (450°F). Lightly oil grates. Remove salmon from marinade (discard excess) and grill skin-side down for 6-8 minutes per side until flaky.

Pro Tip: For extra caramelization brush reserved marinade (boiled for safety) during the last 2 minutes.

2. Lemon-Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

A bright zesty twist with a sticky-sweet glaze that’s perfect for summer grilling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs salmon fillets
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep Glaze: Whisk brown sugar soy sauce garlic lemon juice olive oil salt and pepper.
  2. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Place salmon on foil-lined grates brush with glaze and grill 5-6 minutes per side basting frequently.

Pro Tip: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispy caramelized finish.

3. Spicy Brown Sugar & Paprika Rubbed Salmon

For those who love a little heat this rub adds smoky depth with a sweet kick.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Make Rub: Combine brown sugar paprika cumin coriander pepper and garlic powder.
  2. Grill: Spray salmon with oil coat with rub and grill skin-side down over 450°F for 6-8 minutes per side.

Pro Tip: Use a copper grill mat to prevent sticking and flare-ups.

4. Cedar Plank Brown Sugar Salmon

Smoky aromatic and foolproof—this method locks in moisture and infuses woody flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cedar plank (soaked for 1 hour)

Instructions:

  1. Prep Glaze: Mix brown sugar mustard honey and red pepper flakes.
  2. Grill: Place salmon on soaked plank brush with glaze and grill over indirect heat (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.

Pro Tip: Soak the plank in apple juice for extra sweetness.

5. Foil-Packet Brown Sugar Salmon with Herbs

No sticking no mess—just tender flavorful salmon every time.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Lemon slices

Instructions:

  1. Marinate: Mix brown sugar soy sauce thyme parsley and garlic. Coat salmon.
  2. Grill: Wrap each fillet in foil with lemon slices. Grill over medium heat for 12-14 minutes.

Pro Tip: Add asparagus or zucchini inside the foil for a complete meal.

6. Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Salmon

A tangy-sweet glaze with a hint of Dijon for a gourmet touch.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Make Glaze: Whisk together brown sugar mustard honey olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and pepper.
  • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (450°F). Brush salmon with glaze and grill skin-side down for 5-6 minutes per side basting halfway.

Pro Tip: Let the glaze sit on the salmon for 10 minutes before grilling for deeper flavor.

7. Brown Sugar & Ginger Glazed Salmon

A warming aromatic recipe with fresh ginger for an Asian-inspired twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

  • Marinate: Mix brown sugar soy sauce ginger vinegar sesame oil and garlic. Coat salmon and marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Grill: Cook over medium heat (400°F) for 6-7 minutes per side brushing with extra glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Pro Tip: Serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

8. Brown Sugar & Chili Lime Salmon

A spicy citrusy rub that balances heat and sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  • Make Rub: Combine brown sugar chili powder lime zest lime juice cayenne and olive oil.
  • Grill: Rub mixture onto salmon and grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side.

Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon before serving for extra brightness.

9. Brown Sugar & Maple Glazed Salmon

A decadent sticky-sweet glaze with rich maple syrup.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs salmon fillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Prep Glaze: Whisk brown sugar maple syrup soy sauce garlic powder and pepper.
  • Grill: Brush salmon with glaze and grill over medium heat (375°F) for 6-7 minutes per side basting frequently.

Pro Tip: Use a grill basket for easy flipping and even cooking.

10. Brown Sugar & Pineapple Glazed Salmon

A tropical-inspired recipe with juicy pineapple for a sweet-tangy finish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • Pineapple slices (for grilling)

Instructions:

  • Make Glaze: Simmer brown sugar pineapple juice soy sauce garlic and ginger until slightly thickened.
  • Grill: Brush salmon with glaze and grill 5-6 minutes per side adding pineapple slices to the grill for the last 2 minutes.

Pro Tip: Grill the pineapple slices alongside the salmon for a caramelized topping.

Final Thoughts

These 10 grilled salmon recipes with brown sugar offer endless variety—from spicy rubs to herb-infused glazes. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a pro these techniques ensure juicy flavorful salmon every time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Grill skin-side down first to prevent sticking.
  • Use a thermometer—salmon is done at 145°F.
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I’m Sarah, founder of Flavorly Bites and passionate home cook. My mission is to make flavorful, feel-good food that’s easy to make and impossible to forget — one bite at a time.