Oven-Roasted BBQ Salmon

a close up image of BBQ salmon filets coated in spices on a white oval platter.

4.91 from 11 votes

Tender, buttery salmon, coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue rub that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. 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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 426kcal

Author: Leigh Anderson

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

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

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.

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.

Storing and Re-heating Leftovers:

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.

Nutrition