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Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon with Creamy Orzo Recipe

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This Easy Brown Sugar Soy Glazed Salmon recipe features tender oven-baked salmon filets coated with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices. Paired with creamy garlic-infused orzo pasta, this dish is a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, ideal for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Brown Sugar Soy 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)

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon filets
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 4 tbsp olive oil

For the 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

  1. 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 to dissolve the sugar and meld flavors.
  2. Thicken the Glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the mixture. Return to medium heat and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Finish the Glaze: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter to add a silky and glossy texture. Set the glaze aside.
  4. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Season the salmon filets evenly with salt and pepper, then brush each filet with olive oil to ensure moisture and a golden finish.
  5. Bake Salmon: Place the salmon on the prepared tray and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the fish to cook gently and start to firm up.
  6. Glaze the Salmon: Carefully remove the tray from the oven and spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the prepared glaze over each salmon filet, letting some glaze drip onto the tray for extra flavor and caramelization.
  7. Finish Baking: Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and has a caramelized glaze coating.
  8. Cook the Orzo: Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness.
  9. Make Creamy Orzo: Return the drained orzo to the pot and place it over medium heat. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats each pasta piece evenly.
  10. Add Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley if using, giving the orzo a fresh herbal note.
  11. Serve: Plate the baked salmon over a generous scoop of the creamy orzo. Drizzle additional brown sugar soy glaze over the salmon and garnish with extra parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • For an extra kick, increase the chili flakes to your taste preference.
  • Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the glaze, so do not skip it.
  • You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though this will change the flavor slightly.
  • Use fresh parsley for best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/brown-sugar-soy-glazed-salmon-with-creamy-orzo-recipe/