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A perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a caramelized sugar rub, served on a white plate with sautéed green vegetables and lemon wedges.

Salmon Rub Recipe - Sugar: Best recipe for Perfect Fish

This Salmon Rub Recipe with Sugar delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a beautifully caramelized crust on your Salmon . Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Brown Sugar

  • Brown sugar is the star ingredient in this rub. Its natural molasses content adds depth and a touch of richness to the flavor creating a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the salmon.

Paprika

  • Paprika brings a mild smokiness and a hint of warmth to the rub. It balances the sweetness of the sugar with its earthy flavor and contributes to the beautiful color of the salmon as it cooks.

Garlic Powder

  • Garlic powder adds savory depth to the rub. It enhances the overall flavor of the salmon giving it that irresistible, umami punch that pairs so well with the sweetness from the sugar.

Salt

  • Salt is essential in any rub helping to bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and the other ingredients. It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall seasoning.

Black Pepper

  • Freshly ground black pepper adds a little kick and a slight spiciness rounding out the flavor profile and providing a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the sugar.

Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

  • If you enjoy a bit of heat cayenne pepper is an optional ingredient to add an extra layer of spice. It pairs well with the sweetness and smokiness in the rub, giving the salmon a mild, zesty kick.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salmon

  • Start by preparing your salmon fillets. Give them a quick rinse under cold water, then gently blot them dry using paper towels. Drying the fish helps the rub adhere better and allows the skin to become crispy when cooked.

Coat the Salmon with Olive Oil

  • To help the rub adhere to the fish, lightly coat the salmon fillets with olive oil or any oil of your choice. This step also helps to create a crisp texture during cooking. You can brush the oil on using a pastry brush or simply rub it in with your hands.

Apply the Rub Evenly

  • Sprinkle the sugar-based rub generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Use your hands to gently press the rub into the fish, ensuring that it coats the surface evenly. Don’t forget to rub the seasoning into any crevices or skin areas for maximum flavor.

Let It Rest

  • Once your salmon is coated with the rub, let it rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the seasoning is absorbed by the fish. For even more depth of flavor, you can let the rub sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Keyword Salmon rub, sugar salmon rub, sweet savory rub