BBQ Salmon

By Rena Awada | Updated On March 18, 2021

This Juicy and delicious BBQ Salmon recipe is made pan-seared to perfection and made with homemade bbq sauce. Easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes! The perfect weeknight dinner recipe that everyone will enjoy.

top view bbq salmon with rice


Nothing beats a sweet and savory meal. This bbq salmon recipe will certainly satisfy your tastebuds. The salmon filets are pan-seared and then cooked in with a homemade bbq sauce. Served over a bed of rice and some freshly chopped pineapple. This easy salmon dinner recipe will be your go-to weeknight dinner recipe because it will be a major hit that everyone will love. It is very easy to make and takes just under 30 minutes to come together.

Why you will love this salmon recipe

  • Quick and easy: you will only need just about 30 minutes to serve this meal. It is easy to make and doesn’t require any baking.
  • Healthy and delicious: This salmon recipe is made with healthy ingredients. Even the BBQ sauce is made from scratch. Plus it’s absolutely delicious.
  • Meal prep friendly: our bbq salmon recipe is perfect for those who meal prep. It stores well for a few days.
top view pan seared salmon over a bed of rice and pineapple chunks

Ingredients you will need

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
olive oil
kosher salt and pepper
sesame seeds, to garnish

Homemade BBQ Sauce

ketchup
honey
apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
onion powder
chili powder
cayenne pepper

OPTIONAL, TO SERVE:

pineapple chunks, cooked rice

top view ingredients to make bbq salmon

How to make bbq salmon from scratch

  • Make the BBQ Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients and whisk well. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Cook the salmon filets: Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Quickly season the filets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely golden.
pan seared salmon fillet in a pan
  • Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
  • Combine BBQ with salmon: Add the BBQ sauce to the pan, and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, spooning it all over the salmon.
  • Broil: Next, broil for 2-3 minutes, or until salmon is lightly charred and flaky.
  • Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve over cooked rice with pineapple chunks(highly recommend this combo!), if desired, and enjoy!
bbq sauce being poured over salmon filets

recipe notes and tips

  • Salmon: use salmon with skin or skinless. You may use any other fish or protein. Consider chicken breast if you don’t like salmon.
  • We prefer you make your own bbq sauce at home, but ultimately, you may use store-bought.
  • Pineapple: This is optional, but complements the salmon so well. You may use mango in place of pineapple.
  • Serve over rice, quinoa, pasta, or zoodles.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • You may also skip the last step of broiling. That only makes is charred and crispy.
side shot of salmon filet over pineapple and rice
Should I rinse the salmon?

The USDA does not recommend rinsing salmon or any seafood before cooking in order to prevent spreading bacteria. Cooking the meat will kill off any harmful bacteria on it which is why you don’t need to rinse your salmon.

What is a good side dish with salmon?

Salmon is such a versatile protein and tastes great with many side dishes ranging from veggies, pasta, potatoes, and rice. We paired our BBQ salmon with rice, but you may consider the following: garlic roasted potatoes, roasted honey glazed carrots, healthy mashed potatoes, Baked sweet potato wedges.

Do you eat the skin on salmon?

We do not recommend you eat the skin on the salmon. You should still keep the skin on to keep a protective layer between the salmon and grill or pan. Start by cooking the salmon with skin down first.

top  view salmon over rice in a bowl

More salmon recipes

top view of bbq salmon over white rice

If you try a recipe and you like it, leave us some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! We would love it if you shared it with friends and family.

Finally, please use our hashtag #healthyfitnessmeals on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured! FOLLOW Healthy Fitness Meals on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER for all of our latest blog posts and recipes.

close up bbq chicken over rice with mango salsa

BBQ Salmon

Crispy and moist salmon fillets smothered with homemade BBQ sauce and served over rice and pineapple.
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 383kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 24 oz salmon fillets 4, 6 ounce fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds to garnish

BBQ SAUCE:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

OPTIONAL TO SERVE:

  • cooked rice
  • pineapple chunks

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients and whisk well. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Quickly season the filets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely golden.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
  • Add the BBQ sauce to the pan, and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, spooning it all over the salmon.
  • Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until salmon is lightly charred and flaky. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Serve over cooked rice with pineapple chunks(highly recommend this combo!), if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Salmon: use salmon with skin or skinless. You may use any other fish or protein. Consider chicken breast if you don’t like salmon.
  • We prefer you make your own bbq sauce at home, but ultimately, you may use store-bought.
  • Pineapple: This is optional, but complements the salmon so well. You may use mango in place of pineapple.
  • Serve over rice, quinoa, pasta, or zoodles.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 949mg | Potassium: 978mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @HealthyFitnessMeals or tag #HealthyFitnessMeals!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Larry Benjamin says

    5 stars
    Hello “Lovely Rena”.

    Made your totally amazing BBQ Salmon recipe this evening. Enjoyed it over steam brown rice that I had enhanced with half a can of peas and carrots . Put a little tarter sauce over the salmon and a little Chinese Chili Sauce over the rice.

    Made the salmon using one 6 to 7 inch tail piece of Atlantic Salmon that I had luckily purchased at only $6.99 per pound. Other than that, I followed your recipe exactly. My tummy was very happy and said it was the best salmon he ever had !!!! Thanks Rita !!!

  2. Vip says

    5 stars
    Super tasty, great recipe! My 11 year old nephew made his Salmon fillets and cooked on the BBQ, we loved it!!. Thank you so much!

  3. Tiffani says

    5 stars
    Really good. Even some of my kids who aren’t big on salmon or any other fish, went back for 2nds & 3rds! I served w/ a medley of roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots and a side of peas.

  4. Sheridan says

    5 stars
    Bbq’d the salmon with the sauce on the top for 2 minutes then turned and sauced the opposite side. Grilled for 3 minutes. Turned over filled and bbq’d for 1 more minute. Wonderful flavor!

    • Corey says

      5 stars
      Every one loved it, said keep this one.
      Kids thought it was similar to sweet chilli lime chips, a little bite that leaves you wanting more. I didn’t have apple cider vinegar so I substituted with lemon juice.

Leave A Reply

Recipe Rating