The Secret To Tender Salmon Is Hiding In Your Pantry

Say goodbye to dry salmon! You can amplify your everyday salmon dinner with one item that's probably already in your pantry. Brown sugar is a key ingredient for preparing a juicy, tender, and flavorful filet. This sweet staple complements salmon because the sugar caramelizes beautifully when cooked, allowing for a depth of sweet flavor that balances salmon's brinier, heartier components. Additionally, when the sugar caramelizes, it creates a crispy, slightly sticky exterior. This layer forms an outer crust that helps prevent moisture from escaping during the cooking process. This keeps the interior juicy and tender.

You can incorporate brown sugar into your salmon recipe with a marinade (like in our five-ingredient glazed salmon recipe) or in a zesty, spiced dry rub. If you go the marinade route, bathing the salmon in a thick glaze allows it to absorb extra moisture, increasing its succulent taste. On the other hand, a dry rub creates a crispy crust that keeps the center soft and velvety. Top off the salmon with a drizzle of honey or a fresh squeeze of either lemon or orange juice to boost the sweet and savory flavors even further.

Juicy, delicious salmon is easy to achieve with other ingredients, too. Marinating salmon in yogurt or buttermilk will give it a tangy taste while retaining moisture as it cooks. Basting it in butter while it's pan-searing or roasting also helps lock in moisture and cook the fish evenly. You might even try rubbing your filets with mayonnaise or olive oil. The latter serves as a barrier between the salmon and the heat that keeps it from drying out. Mayo works in a similar fashion, and its thick texture helps it stick to the fish easily.

If you don't want to add more ingredients to your favorite salmon recipe, try mixing up your technique or tools to achieve a tender filet. Slow-roasting salmon at a low temperature for an extended time results in notably softer flesh. If time is limited, try baking the salmon in aluminum foil, which will get you to moist, flakey fish quicker. If you want to mix it up, skip searing or baking and try crafting your meal with a sous vide machine (like the Greater Goods Kitchen Sous Vide Machine from Amazon). This temperature-controlled method is great for even cooking and creates an ultra-buttery taste and texture.