Charred Sugar and Chili Crusted Salmon
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Charred Sugar and Chili Crusted Salmon recipe. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are generously coated in a bold, smoky spice rub featuring a hint of sweetness from caramelized brown sugar paired with chili powder, smoky paprika, and a touch of garlic. The result? A beautifully crisp crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon beneath. Cooked on a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or under the broiler, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights or an impressive, hassle-free centerpiece for entertaining. Serve with a pop of freshness from a squeeze of lemon juice and optional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for those craving a flavorful, protein-packed meal with minimal effort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) Salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 pieces (for serving) Lemon wedges
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat a broiler if you’re broiling the salmon.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the spice rub.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil to ensure the spice rub adheres well.
Generously coat the top (flesh side) of each salmon fillet with the spice rub, pressing gently so it sticks.
If using a skillet or grill pan, brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them.
Carefully flip the fillets to cook the flesh side for another 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on the crust to prevent burning. The brown sugar will caramelize and form a delicious crust.
If broiling, place the fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet and broil for 5-6 minutes until the top is caramelized and the salmon is cooked to medium-rare or your preferred doneness.
Remove the salmon from the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. This helps lock in the juices.
Serve the salmon warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1687 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.6 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 272 mg | 91% | |
| Sodium | 1829 mg | 80% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.5 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.9 g | ||
| Protein | 142.5 g | 285% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 53 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 170 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
