Oven-Roasted BBQ Salmon
Tender, buttery salmon, coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue rub that caramelizes beautifully in the oven – no grill needed. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in—a blend of warm spices and brown sugar. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this recipe may only have a few ingredients, but when they all come together the result is heavenly.
Apartment-dwellers rejoice, this ones for us! Oven-Roasted Barbecue Salmon has all the smoke, spice and sweetness, you’d expect from salmon that’s cooked over an open flame… no grill required! All you need is your oven and a simple homemade BBQ spice rub made with smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, garlic and onion powder.
As it bakes, the spice rub caramelizes and forms a flavorful crust around the salmon. While the outside turns slightly blackened and charred the inside stays tender and buttery.
This salmon is delicious served alongside classic BBQ sides like: Red Cabbage Salad and Cornbread Pudding or as a topping for hearty salads like: California Cobb Salad or A Perfect Summer Salad.
Check Out Similar Recipes: Blackened Shrimp with Garlic-Lime Aioli, Five Spice Blackened Salmon with Apple Slaw, Sweet and Sticky Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs
Recipe Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe: salmon, (you can use individual filets or one whole large piece), oil, salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic and onion powder.
*See recipe card for additional notes and ingredient substitutions.*
Recipe Steps:
Step 1. Make the BBQ Spice Rub
To make the spice rub simply whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
Tip: I typically make a double or even triple batch of the BBQ spice rub, that way I always have some extra on hand. It can be used to season all types of fish or even shrimp and chicken. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to three months.
Step 2. Bake & Broil
Brush the salmon filet(s) with a thin layer of oil then coat on all sides with the spice rub. Be generous with it! I like to sprinkle extra on top of each filet to give it a nice caramelized crust. Bake for 12 minutes then pop it under the broiler to give it a nice char.
Step 3. Serve
Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature. Save any leftover salmon for the next day’s BBQ Salmon Kale Caesar Salad.
How to Test if Salmon is Cooked: To check if the fish is cooked, take a metal skewer, or the tip of a knife and stick it into the thickest part of the fish count to 5 then carefully take the skewer out and hold it against your lip to feel the temperature–if it’s cold the fish is still raw, if it’s warm the fish is cooked to about medium, if it’s hot the fish is well done.
Check Out More Great Salmon Recipes:
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Oven-Roasted BBQ Salmon
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 6 oz filets of salmon - boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
BBQ Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the salmon, skin side down on the baking tray. In a small bowl whisk together all of the BBQ spice rub ingredients
- Brush the salmon with a thin layer of oil then coat on all sides with the spice rub. Be generous with the rub, it will caramelize and create a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake for 12 minutes then broil 2-3 minutes or until cooked through (see notes below) and slightly charred. Serve warm or room temperature.
Notes
- Salmon: Almost any thick cut fish filet will work well for this recipe. You could use halibut, cod or sea-bass. Even shrimp would be nice!
- Smoked Paprika: Sweet paprika or Hungarian paprika can be substituted.
- Brown Sugar: You can use maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar. Just know it will turn the spice rub into more of a wet marinade–which is totally fine.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat leftover salmon filets in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave in 1 minute increments until warm.
Been making this for years. It’s one of my sons favorites!
Hi, I made this delicious
I didn’t have a couple of the ingredients but I added BBQ sauce once I turned on the broiler. Really tasty.
Great idea! So glad you liked it.
This is so delicious. I serve it with a golden South Carolina bbq sauce.
I’m so glad you liked it! xx
This is in fact foolproof. And delicious. Served it with whipped sweet potatoes and a simple salad. Family loved it