Broiled Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Rub

by Marcie // February 25, 2020 (updated 7/27/23)

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This Broiled Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Rub is an easy broiled salmon recipe topped with a simple salmon rub. It’s a healthy dinner that comes together in minutes!

front shot of broiled salmon with salmon rub flaked with a fork

Salmon is something that we eat weekly, so I prepare it a multitude of ways to change things up. My lemon dijon salmon and garlic butter salmon recipe are family favorites, but this Broiled Salmon with Sweet and Spicy Rub is a recipe that I turn to often as it cooks up so quickly!

Years ago, I came across a salmon rub called Rub With Love. I used it often, and while we really liked it, it was very expensive. I decided to create my own version, and haven’t looked back.

I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never gets old. 🙂

broiled salmon fillet with salmon dry rub and parsley

Why you’ll love this recipe

The broiled salmon is crisp and caramelized on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. It’s got a sweet and spicy flavor that compliments the salmon perfectly.
The recipe contains only 5 simple ingredients, and the salmon rub takes less than 1 minute to make.
Broiling is the quickest way to cook salmon. It’s done in about 8-10 minutes!
Salmon is a healthy, protein packed meal that you can feel good about feeding your family.

Recipe ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients for this easy broiled salmon as outlined below:

1 large salmon fillet or 4-6 smaller ones, weighing 4-6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
Brown coconut sugar or brown sugar
Chili powder
Smoked paprika

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make this recipe

This broiled salmon comes together very quickly and cooks up in minutes!

Pro tip: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook salmon fillets that are around 1″ thick.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

broiled salmon before cooking, with and without salmon rub

Place the salmon fillet(s) on a foil lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil. If the skin is off, coat the bottom of the fish with oil as well to prevent it from sticking.
Place the coconut sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika and kosher salt in a small bowl and stir to combine. Massage the desired amount of salmon rub into the top of the salmon, then broil for about 8-10 minutes or until the top is caramelized and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

broiled salmon on baking sheet with chopped parsley on top

Recipe FAQs

What is the best temperature to broil salmon?

The best temperature to broil salmon is 500 to 550 degrees, so be sure and set your broiler to high heat. The high temperature is necessary to caramelize the salmon. The crisp, caramelized exterior is what makes broiled salmon so special!

Be sure that the salmon is 6 inches under the broiler in order to caramelize properly and cook quickly. If it’s further from the broiler, it will not achieve the same level of crispness and will take longer to cook.

How long to broil salmon?

A 1″ thick salmon fillet will take about 8-10 minutes, so increase or decrease the cooking time accordingly.

Do you have to flip salmon when broiling?

Broiled salmon does not need to be flipped. The broiler will work it’s magic and the end result is a beautiful, caramelized salmon fillet!

How do I know when my broiled salmon is done?

Salmon is done when the fat has rendered and it flakes easily with fork. A salmon fillet that is 1″ thick will take about 8-10 minutes under the broiler.

Serving suggestions

Serve this broiled salmon recipe with the following side dishes:

Recipe notes

Pro tip: Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook salmon fillets that are around 1″ thick.
If the skin is off of your salmon, I recommend coating the bottom with olive oil as well to prevent sticking. If the skin is on, the skin will stick to the foil and the fillet is easily removed from the pan.
Store leftover salmon in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Double or triple the salmon rub and store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.

Broiled salmon fillet on white serving platter

More salmon recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram