This easy brown sugar salmon rub takes salmon fillets from delicious to spectacular! It has the perfect combination of sweet, spicy and savory flavors that complement the salmon flavor but don't overpower it.
For more delicious dry rub recipes also check out how to season frozen burgers or how to make chimichurri seasoning.
Salmon rub ingredients and notes:
This salmon rub has sweetness from brown sugar that's balanced by spiciness from red pepper flakes and black pepper. Garlic powder, oregano and salt add a delicious, savory background flavor.
- Please make sure that your brown sugar is soft. (It should have a texture similar to that of wet sand.) If it's dried out and crumbly, the remaining ingredients won't stick to it and you won't get an even mix.
- You can use light or dark brown sugar for this salmon rub. (The only difference between light and dark brown sugar is the amount of molasses. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown sugar and yields a slightly deeper flavor in this spice rub.)
How to make it:
Add all ingredients to a small jar, put on the lid and shake until well combined.
Can I store the rub?
I don't recommend storing this rub because the brown sugar can dry out that way. It's best to prepare it fresh when you need it.
How to apply the rub:
Brush the flesh of skin-on salmon fillets with a mild olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the rub onto the fillets.
How to cook the salmon:
You can either grill the salmon or cook it on a baking sheet in the oven. What's important with either method is that you don't flip the fillets to prevent the rub from falling off. Simply cook the fillets skin-side down until fully cooked. The skin can withstand the heat from the hot grill or baking sheet throughout the entire cook time.
How to cook the salmon in the oven:
- Transfer the seasoned fillets to a lightly oiled baking sheet (skin-side down). Place in the fridge while you prepare the broiler.
- Place an oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler element and pre-heat the broiler for 10 minutes.
- Broil the fillets until cooked (8 to 10 minutes).
How much rub to use:
Use about 1 ½ tablespoons of dry rub for 2 salmon fillets (with each fillet weighing between 3 and 4 ounces).
How long should the dry rub sit on the salmon?
10 minutes is the perfect amount of time for this rub to sit on the raw salmon. (Don't let it sit much longer because that can cause the meat to become dry during the cooking process.)
More delicious seasoning blends for seafood:
- Dill Seasoning Recipe24 Hours 10 Minutes
- Shrimp Seasoning24 Hours 5 Minutes
- Ahi Tuna Rub5 Minutes
- Cod Spice Rub5 Minutes
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how you liked it in the comments below! Thank you!
Full Printable Recipe
Brown Sugar Salmon Rub
Equipment:
- measuring spoons
- small glass jar with lid
Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar*
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Add all dry rub ingredients to a small jar. Put on the lid and shake very well until all ingredients are well combined.
Bern
We caught some King Salmon (also called Chinook) in Lake Ontario, and I made this rub to season the salmon pieces before grilling them. I used much less garlic powder because we don't like a strong garlic flavor. The salmon was very tasty, the sweetness from the brown sugar was nice, and the little heat from the red pepper flakes was just enough. I'll definitely use this rub again. We removed the skin so I put the rub on both sides of each fillet.
Nicole B.
Wow, fresh caught salmon sounds amazing! I'm so happy to hear that you liked the dry rub! Thanks so much for coming back and sharing your review, it's much appreciated!