Last month, my husband took me to Texas Roadhouse for our anniversary and I ordered their salmon. I'm not usually a fish person, but this was different. The glaze was sweet and tangy, the salmon was perfectly moist, and I kept thinking about it for days. So naturally, I went home and figured out how to make it myself. This Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon tastes exactly like the restaurant version, maybe even better because you can make it without the wait or the bill.
My daughter, who swears she hates fish, actually asked for seconds. It's one of those easy salmon recipes that makes you look like a fancy chef when really it's just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon is the answer for anyone who thinks they don't like fish or doesn't know how to cook salmon. This recipe for salmon fillets uses a simple glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweet and savory crust that even picky eaters love. My mom tried it and said it's one of those salmon recipes that don't taste fishy, which is exactly what you want.
The best part is how foolproof it is, you can't really mess it up. It works as a quick salmon dinner on weeknights or something impressive enough for company. Plus, it's one of those baked salmon recipes healthy enough that you feel good about eating it but indulgent enough that nobody realizes it's good for you.
What You'll Need
Just a handful of ingredients create this restaurant-quality salmon dish. I keep most of this in my pantry, which makes it perfect for those nights when I need easy salmon recipes fast.
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium works great)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Optional Extras
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap honey for maple syrup if that's what you have. My sister likes to add a touch of smoked paprika to the glaze for extra depth.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon
Prep the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that beautiful caramelized crust. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin side down if using skin-on fillets. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you make the glaze.
Make the Sweet Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. This salmon glaze is the secret to that Texas Roadhouse flavor. My husband always sneaks a taste straight from the bowl before I even start cooking.
Brush and Coat
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with the glaze mixture. Make sure you get it into all the nooks and crannies. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of glaze for basting later. This step is key when learning how to season salmon properly.
How do I know when salmon is done cooking?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The center should be slightly opaque but still moist. If you see white albumin (the white stuff) oozing out, you've overcooked it slightly, but it's still fine to eat.
Bake Until Caramelized
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. About halfway through, brush on the reserved glaze for an extra layer of flavor. The glaze should be bubbling and caramelized, and the salmon should flake easily with a fork. This is how to make salmon that's moist and never dry.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the glaze perfectly. My family always squeezes extra lemon juice on top.
Aliana's Top Tip
The biggest mistake people make with salmon recipes is overcooking the fish.
Salmon continues to cook even after you take it out of the oven, so pull it when it's just barely done.
The center should still be slightly translucent, and it'll finish cooking while it rests.
Also, don't skip the step of patting the salmon dry before you season it.
Wet salmon won't caramelize properly and you'll miss out on that gorgeous crust.
My sister learned this the hard way and ended up with steamed salmon instead of baked.
Trust me, dry fish equals crispy edges.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the salmon fillets for other fish like cod or mahi-mahi if you prefer milder options. You can also use this glaze for grilled salmon fillets by cooking them on a grill pan or outdoor grill for about 4 minutes per side. Want to make it Ina Garten style? Add fresh dill and a splash of white wine to the glaze. For ways to make salmon at home without an oven, try cooking salmon on the stove in a cast iron skillet using the same glaze. Just sear it for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. You can also eat it cold on top of salads or in grain bowls. I don't recommend freezing cooked salmon because the texture gets mushy when thawed, but if you must, wrap it tightly and use within a month.
What to Serve With Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon
This salmon dinner pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. I also love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf to soak up that extra glaze. For a lighter option, try it over a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. My husband always wants a side of buttery dinner rolls because that's what they do at the actual Texas Roadhouse. It's also great alongside other good food recipes for dinner families like roasted sweet potatoes or a simple cucumber salad.
FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it very dry before using. Frozen salmon has more moisture, so it takes longer to get that caramelized crust.
What if I don't like sweet glazes on fish?
You can reduce the brown sugar and honey by half for a less sweet version. Or try a simple lemon butter sauce instead for a more classic approach to what to make with salmon.
Can I make this on the grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or cook directly on a well-oiled grill grate over medium-high heat. Brush with glaze and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. This is one of my favorite salmon recipes stove top grill pan style.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet. If using foil, spray it generously with cooking spray. This makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking when cooking salmon.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this Texas Roadhouse Style Baked Salmon, you'll want to try my Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon, which has a similar sweet and savory vibe. Or check out my Crispy Salmon with Lemon Butter for something lighter and brighter. For more fish dinner ideas, my Baked Cod with Parmesan Crust is always a family favorite. You'll find all of these salmon dishes and more in my DINNER category.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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Pairing
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