Easy Brown Sugar Baked Salmon (Perfect Sheet Pan Dinner)

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that your whole family will love? This brown sugar baked salmon is one of our all-time favorites. It’s sweet, smoky, perfectly tender, and best of all — incredibly easy to make.

With a simple brown sugar rub, this salmon recipe caramelizes beautifully in the oven and pairs effortlessly with your favorite vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes less than 10 minutes to prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Just mix, rub, and bake!
Minimal cleanup: Make it a one-pan meal by adding veggies.
Family-friendly: Sweet, smoky flavors everyone will enjoy.
Customizable: Works with any salmon and your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

Salmon fillets – Any kind will do, but we love rich, fatty varieties like sockeye, king, or coho for the best texture and flavor.
Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized crust.
Lemon zest – Brightens the flavor and adds a pop of citrus.
Smoked paprika – Brings a warm, smoky depth. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder.
Salt – To bring everything together.

Optional Veggies (for a Sheet Pan Dinner):

Green beans
Zucchini
Asparagus
Snap peas
Broccolini
Cherry tomatoes

All of these roast quickly and go great with the salmon. You can also use heartier veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower — just give them a head start in the oven before adding the fish.

How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Mix the rub: Combine brown sugar, lemon zest, salt, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
Prep the salmon: Pat your fillets dry, then generously rub the mixture over the top and sides.
Add veggies (optional): If you’re making it a sheet pan meal, scatter your chosen veggies around the salmon.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F for medium doneness.
Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.

How to Tell When Salmon Is Done

The flesh turns opaque and flakes easily when pierced with a fork.
For precision, use a thermometer and remove at 125°F (52°C) for tender, moist salmon with a slightly pink center.

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Salmon

This salmon goes well with just about anything, but here are some tasty side ideas:

Sheet Pan Veggie Ideas:

Asparagus
Green beans
Cherry tomatoes
Bell peppers
Zucchini
Snap peas

Other Side Dishes:

Corn salad – Fresh and crunchy.
Cilantro lime rice – Bright and zesty.
Quinoa salad – Hearty and wholesome.
Mashed sweet potatoes – A cozy, sweet complement.

Make It Your Own

Spice it up: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the rub.
Try a glaze: Mix a bit of Dijon mustard with brown sugar for a tangy twist.
Use the grill: This rub also works beautifully for cedar plank or grilled salmon.

Final Tips

Don’t overbake — salmon cooks fast! Check early to avoid drying it out.
Want extra caramelization? Broil the last 1–2 minutes.
Double the rub and keep it in a jar for future quick dinners!

This brown sugar baked salmon recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Whether you serve it solo or load up your baking sheet with veggies, you’ll end up with a wholesome, flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes.

Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze