This baked BBQ salmon is my go-to when I need a quick dinner that still delivers big flavor. Smoky, sweet BBQ glaze pairs perfectly with tender, flaky salmon, and with just five minutes of prep, it’s an effortlessly impressive meal.
I’m so excited about this one because it proves that big flavor doesn’t need a long ingredient list . This baked BBQ salmon was born on a night when I was short on time and groceries — and it’s been in regular rotation ever since. It’s almost as easy as making toast, but the payoff is so much better.
All you need are salmon fillets, a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and a generous brush of your favorite barbecue sauce. As it bakes, the sauce turns smoky and sweet, the salmon stays flaky and tender, and a quick broil at the end caramelizes the glaze into a slightly crisp, sticky finish. Serve it with buttery corn rice and steamed or quick-roasted broccoli , and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner that tastes way more impressive than the effort involved.
Tips for baked BBQ salmon
So let’s start with the big question: How long do you bake salmon?
Bake salmon at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes per ½ inch of thickness. Most fillets are about 1 inch thick at the thickest part, which means this BBQ salmon usually needs around 8 minutes.
My #1 tip:
Don’t overcook salmon. I personally prefer my salmon cooked to about 125 degrees Fahrenheit (it’s also the temp I aim for with steak, despite being under the FDA recommendation.) At this temperature, the salmon is moist and tender and flakes easily. An instant-read thermometer takes away the guess work so you can take the salmon out of the oven as soon as it’s cooked to your preference.
What BBQ sauce to use?
Since this is the primary flavor, make sure to use one you like. My BBQ sauce for chicken also pairs very well with salmon. Sweet Baby Ray’s is always a crowd-pleaser.
Can you eat salmon skin?
You sure can! Not everyone loves it, though, so you can always remove it if you prefer. Here is a more detailed post on removing skin from salmon . Tip: After you plate the salmon, put the baking sheet with the salmon skin left on it back into the oven for about 10-12 minutes. The skin will crisp right up. In my house, we call this salmon bacon, and everyone goes crazy for it – even friends who are skeptical change their minds!
How do I store leftover baked BBQ salmon?
Once it’s cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a covered container and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Salmon tends to dry out when reheated, so I like to make a salad with the leftovers so I can eat it cold, straight from the refrigerator.
Baked BBQ Salmon Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 lb salmon (cut into pieces – see notes)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- ▢ ½ cup BBQ sauce
For serving
- ▢ Buttery Corn Rice (is what you see in the photos)
- ▢ Some sort of vegetable – I like steamed or roasted broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the salmon into serving-sized pieces and dry it well with paper towels. Season it on the top side with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper 2 lb salmon, ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Transfer the salmon to the baking sheet and spread the BBQ over the top and sides. Don’t worry too much about the exact amount, a generous coating is what you’re after. ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Bake the salmon for 8 minutes. Then, turn your oven to broil and broil for 3-4 minutes (see notes) until cooked through.
- Serve the salmon with corn rice and your favorite veggie side – like broccoli.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Baked BBQ Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon , cut into pieces - see notes
- ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For serving
- Buttery Corn Rice , is what you see in the photos
- Some sort of vegetable - I like steamed or roasted broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the salmon into serving-sized pieces and dry it well with paper towels. Season it on the top side with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper 2 lb salmon, ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Transfer the salmon to the baking sheet and spread the BBQ over the top and sides. Don’t worry too much about the exact amount, a generous coating is what you’re after. ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Bake the salmon for 8 minutes. Then, turn your oven to broil and broil for 3-4 minutes (see notes) until cooked through.
- Serve the salmon with corn rice and your favorite veggie side - like broccoli.
