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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat a broiler if you’re broiling the salmon.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the spice rub.

Step 3

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil to ensure the spice rub adheres well.

Step 4

Generously coat the top (flesh side) of each salmon fillet with the spice rub, pressing gently so it sticks.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the salmon from the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. This helps lock in the juices.

Step 9

Serve the salmon warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(792.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1686.9

Total Fat 104.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 272.2mg	0%
Sodium 1829.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 35.9g
Protein 142.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 53.0mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 170.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.6%

Protein: 33.7%

Carbs: 10.7%