Skip the store-bought marinade and try this juicy BBQ spiced salmon made from a simple homemade spice blend! This flavorful salmon comes together so easily, and tastes delicious over a simple side salad.
Anything barbecue flavored gets me SO excited for summer. Now that the weather is starting to get nicer on the east coast, I’m trying to keep our meals light and summery.
This salmon is such an easy weeknight meal, and packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats!
I’m all about keeping pre-made spice blends or marinades around for convenience, but also love experimenting with my own versions.
This BBQ spice rub is made with a few simple spices, and would be delicious with grilled chicken, tofu, or any protein you like.
The salmon comes out so juicy, and gets a delicious caramelization from the brown sugar. It has a sweet & smokey flavor, with a slight hint of heat from the cayenne pepper.
I love serving it with a side salad or a side of roasted veggies.
How to make a homemade BBQ spice rub
When I think BBQ spice, I think sweet and smokey. This homemade spice blend is seriously so easy to make, and can be doubled or tripled and used for so many things!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Light brown sugar, or substitute coconut sugar
- Paprika
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
The spice blend is rubbed over the top of the salmon, then baked until golden brown. You can finish it off under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get that perfect crisp.
You guys are going to love this simple dinner! Tag me on Instagram if you try it 🙂
What to serve with your BBQ spiced salmon
Lemon Parmesan Salad
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Roasted Broccoli
Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
BBQ Spiced Salmon
Course: Main5-6
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesNOTES:
If you’re using individually cut salmon fillets, you can also grill them on a grill pan with a little olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side, or directly on a barbeque.
Ingredients
1-1.5 lbs salmon
1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar or coconut sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil, to drizzle
- Serve with
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 F
- Place your salmon on a parchment lined sheet pan
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl, then rub the mixture onto the top of your salmon, making sure to press it in and spread it around evenly. Depending on the size of the salmon, you may not need to use all of the spice rub. You can store any leftover in a small bag or jar for later use.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil
- Bake for about 18-22 minutes, until fully cooked through. The timing will depend on the size and thickness of the salmon. Individual fillets will likely need around 10-15 minutes. You can also set it under the broiler for the last 3-4 minutes to get a slight crisp on the top.
- Serve fresh with your favorite sides!
- Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven, microwave or stove top.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @somethingnutritious on Instagram- I’d love to see your creations!
Single dad here. Made this for my super picky daughter and we both loved it! So easy but so delicious!
I’m so happy to hear that, Erik!
I tried this and it’s an absolute winner! I added broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato to the tray.
So delicious and easy.
Thankyou 🙏
That sounds delicious!
Sooo good! Family loves this recipe and really easy to make!
I’m so happy to hear that!
I’ve been waiting for this recipe to go up! Gal posted it weeks before and it looked absolutely delicious – especially when it was paired with the lemon, parmesan salad. We made this yesterday and it was incredible. We both finished our salads and my husband asked at the end, “this is Gal’s recipe, right?’ He knows! Your recipes are perfect, every time.
Side note:
I used the BBQ spice rub for some smashed potatoes and it was incredible. I will definitely pair it with other fish & proteins going forward. Can’t wait.
That spice rub on smashed potatoes sounds incredible!! So glad you enjoyed it Manpreet 🙂
This was really good! I had with a salad for dinner and Gal’s broccoli fritters was an amazing combo 10/10 recommend! Thank you ❤️
You’re the best! ❤️
Great salmon dish! Flavorful and moist. Smoked paprika really comes through. Cooked for 22min, then broiled for 2min. Came out perfect! Will be eating cold on salad for the next 3 days. Looking forward to making this again! Thank you!
Sounds delicious, Taylor! I’m so happy you tried it out 🙂