This flaky, glazed balsamic salmon with hints of spicy Sriracha and tangy dressing is a sweet and savory weeknight dinner in 30 minutes. Served over a fresh salad, it’s perfect for a light dinner all summer long!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Salmon Recipe
When I am craving salmon, this simple, but flavorful balsamic salmon is my go to recipe! Here’s why I know you are going to love it too:
- Quick: This easy salmon dinner is ready in just 30 minutes, with a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Sweet and Savory: Sweet brown sugar, tangy balsamic vinaigrette and fiery Sriracha create the perfect balance of flavors. This glazed salmon is anything but boring!
- Beginner-Friendly: The fridge and oven do all of the work. You marinate in the fridge and cook in the oven, this balsamic glazed salmon couldn’t get any easier!
Love cooking up a hearty piece of salmon? You should also check out my crispy salmon patties or this easy, but flavorful teriyaki salmon.
What You’ll Need
Besides the salmon, there’s a good chance you have all the ingredients on hand to make this easy balsamic marinade! Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Salmon: Make sure it’s boneless and skinless.
- Balsamic Salad Dressing: Choose your favorite! If it’s light on balsamic vinegar, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two to your marinade.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic paste are best for this.
- Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar works too. You can also use honey or maple syrup!
- Sriracha: Feel free to use Tabasco, Frank’s or your favorite hot sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Reduce the amount by half if you use lime juice.
- Salt and Pepper: I prefer kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
How To Make Baked Balsamic Salmon
After a quick 15-minute marinade, the oven does the rest of the work for you. Scroll to the recipe card at bottom of the post for full detailed instructions.
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- Marinate: Whisk all of the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add in the salmon fillets, making sure they are completely coated. Marinate in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Bake: Add the salmon to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it on the top oven rack. Bake for 5 minutes, brush with leftover marinade, and bake again until flaky.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Use the Stove or Air Fryer: Follow my 10-minute air fryer salmon directions to cook this in your air fryer. For the stove top, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 minutes, flip it, and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until flaky.
- Spice it Up: Whisk 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small bowl. Season the salmon with the mixture after you marinate it for even more depth and flavor.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle the salmon with sesame seeds, chopped parsley, or a crispy panko topping for extra texture and flavor.
- Don’t Over Marinate Allow the salmon to marinate for 1 hour max. Any longer and the acids in marinade can break down the salmon, making it mushy.
- Use a Bag: I also will add the marinade ingredients to a ziplock bag, shake it up, then add the salmon. No bowl or whisk needed!
What To Serve With Balsamic Glazed Salmon
This juicy balsamic glazed salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with a side of arugula salad, a fresh cucumber tomato salad, or this veggie packed chickpea salad. My parmesan roasted broccoli and garlic roasted cherry tomatoes would pair great too. Cilantro lime rice or quinoa are wonderful side options if you prefer something warm and hearty.
For lunch meal prep, I will often add a bed of rice in individual containers and top with my salmon and a side of parmesan roasted broccoli. It makes reheating lunch a breeze!
Balsamic Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
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Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, garlic, brown sugar, sriracha, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Marinate salmon fillets in mixture for 15 minutes.
- While fillets are marinating, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil or butter so the salmon does not stick.
- Place salmon skin-side down on prepared baking sheet and transfer to oven on the top rack. Bake for 5 minutes, lightly brush any leftover marinade on top of the fillets and bake for 5 minutes more (or until salmon is cooked throughly and flakes easily with a fork).
- Serve with fresh greens (like spicy arugula) or grains (like couscous) for a quick dinner!
Notes
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This looks Soooo good! I have Salmon, now to find the dressing!
I looked up a store near me that carried Tessamae’s and then couldn’t find it there. Can you help me? I would really like to make this salmon!
Did you ever find the dressing? If so, what store did you find it at? Thank you in advance for your reply.
Hi Jason, did you check the refrigerated dressing section over by the produce? That’s usually where it is located!
I love salmon and this version looks great.
I made this for my husband and I last night and we loved it! I had a hard time finding Tessemae’s — then someone at Whole Foods told me it was in the refrigerated section. Just a tip for anyone else looking!
I tried this yesterday and loved it. Had a little thicker of a salmon fillet, so had to let it cook an additional 5 minutes. But was perfect! New go-to salmon recipe.
This sounds wonderful. I will try it first on Salmon, but already thinking of other fish to try it on too. We are big fish eaters at our house.
Being on the West Coast, we get fresh salmon all the time. Can’t wait to try this!
Mike and I would LOVE this!!
Love this! It looks so fresh and full of flavor.
I hate salmon, what other fish would you recommend this for because the rest of it sounds divine!
Any heartier fish would be great. Maybe a tuna steak quickly seared?
Tried this tonight for a quick dinner for the kids and I. Served it over couscous. BIG hit! Thank you!
Looks gorgeous Jessica!
Do you have to use balsamic? Vinegar upsets my reflux.
Hi Sharleen, well I would suggest one of Tessemae’s other flavors! They have many different marinades and that way you can pick one that will be best for you!
I never say this, but that salmon looks gorgeous! I really want to try this on my very picky husband. Seems simple enough for me to make too!
Also my husband who is on the fence about salmon LOVED IT
Ok this looked so good, I ran to the store this morning and made it. It was FANTASIC the BEST SALMON IVE EVER EATTEN!! Resturant quality and super easy and quick!!! Thanks Jessica!!!
Thank you for sharing your recipe! Looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to cook this up!
I’ve been trying to eat salmon at least once a week and am always looking for new recipes. This looks just perfect! I always serve my salmon with arugula, too 🙂
I’m gonna try to make this tonight!!!