Caramelized brown sugar crust, an ensemble of Italian seasonings, a hint of paprika, a dash of garlic, and just a touch of spice make this dish an experience for your tastebuds. An easy baked salmon recipe doesn’t get much easier than this!
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, then set it aside.
Pat dry the salmon filets with a kitchen towel and place them on the prepared baking tray.
Generously massage the salmon filets with olive oil on both sides.
In a small bowl, combine the spices for the rub: brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper.
Evenly sprinkle the spice rub over the salmon filets and place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through and appears opaque.
Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and generously top with red pepper and chopped parsley.
Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side and accompany it with a side of greens.
Notes
Use paper towels to pat the salmon filets dry before seasoning. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
For even more flavor, marinate the salmon in the olive oil, brown sugar, and seasonings for 15-30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to move through the fish.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the salmon inside. This helps with even cooking and a nice crust.
After baking, allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier result.