Brown Sugar-Crusted Salmon with Asian Barbecue Glaze

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, positioning the rack in the middle. This ensures the salmon cooks evenly without drying out.

2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, kosher salt, and cornstarch, blending them well. This mixture will create a flavorful crust on your salmon.

3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Prepare the salmon fillet by removing any whitish fat and then cut it into four equal pieces. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels, which helps achieve a better sear. Season the salmon pieces with freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the fillets and rub it in gently to distribute the flavors evenly.

4. Sear the Salmon

Heat a 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When the oil is just beginning to smoke, place the salmon fillets flesh side down in the skillet. Sear them for about one minute, which helps develop a delicious caramelized crust. Using tongs, flip the fillets so the skin side is down and cook for another minute.

5. Apply the Glaze

Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the Asian Barbecue Glaze evenly over the salmon fillets. The glaze will not only add a rich, sweet-savory flavor but also enhance the salmon's moistness.

6. Bake the Salmon

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 7 to 10 minutes. The salmon should be cooked until the fillets register 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. This ensures the fish remains tender and slightly translucent in the center when cut.

7. Serve

Finally, carefully transfer the salmon fillets to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately, enjoying the perfect blend of the brown sugar crust and the tangy Asian barbecue glaze.