This recipe for broiled salmon is fresh fish fillets coated in olive oil, garlic and herbs, then broiled until browned. A quick and easy dinner option that’s on the table in less than 20 minutes!
I serve salmon at least once a week, some of our favorite recipes include honey garlic salmon, pan seared salmon, and this simple yet satisfying broiled version.
My whole family enjoys salmon – it’s quick to make, loaded with nutrition and tastes great. This broiled salmon recipe doesn’t get any easier – the salmon fillets are smothered with a blend of olive oil, seasonings, garlic and herbs, then they take a quick trip through the broiler to get all browned and caramelized. This recipe is simple enough for a busy week night, yet elegant enough to serve to company! You can add some homemade salmon seasoning to the sauce for even more flavor.
How do you make broiled salmon?
It is amazing how quick and easy it is to make delicious broiled salmon. Simply whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl. Place the salmon in the bowl and coat the salmon with the sauce. Put the salmon on a sheet pan and broil at 500 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and browned on top. Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges and serve.
What is the best temperature to broil salmon?
The key to broiled salmon is high heat from the top of the oven to get that lovely caramelized exterior. You can broil salmon at the temperature of your oven’s broil setting. Most broilers are set at 500-550 degrees F, but if your broiler is set at 450 degrees F, that will also work. Just be sure to use a high heat for the best results.
What is the difference between broil and bake?
Broiling in its simplest form is high heat from above. Broiling activates only one heating element in an oven above the food. Broiling is great for thin meats that can cook quickly, crisping breads or toppings and melting cheese over a cooked dish. When broiling salmon, radiant heat from the top of the oven caramelizes sugars and amino acids in the salmon. The heat browns and crisps the top of the salmon unlocking the flavor.
How do you know when salmon is done?
You can tell when salmon is cooked when the flesh of the salmon goes from translucent to opaque, and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. You also want to see browning on top of the salmon to know that the flavors have been released.
Broiled salmon variations
I typically prepare this recipe as-is, but you can easily customize the flavors to your family’s tastes.
- Cilantro Lime: Use lime zest and lime juice instead of lemon, and substitute cilantro instead of thyme and parsley for a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Mexican Style: Follow the marinade recipe in my chicken burrito bowls and coat the salmon with that marinade.
- Asian Style: Use green onions instead of thyme, also add 2 teaspoons of minced ginger and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the marinade.
This simple salmon recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious. It is sure to be a hit in your house, and it’s one of my go-to dinner options!
More great salmon recipes
- Salmon Teriyaki
- Salmon in Foil with Lemon and Dill
- Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Herbs
- Greek Salmon Salad
- Salmon Foil Packets
Broiled Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 4-6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- lemon wedges for serving
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Place the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the salmon, toss to coat evenly.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared sheet pan.
- Broil for 10-15 minutes or until salmon is browned and opaque.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, then serve.
This was yummy. Had most of the ingredients in the house. Husband said it was the best salmon he ever ate including at restaurants. One glitch was the smoke alarm going off, but I lowered the rack and it was fine. Just delicious.
We make Salmon a lot and by far this was the best tasting topping we have ever used. As I was putting it together I discovered I didn’t have any Soy Sauce. What? I thought everyone had a bottle lurking in the refrigerator! So, I looked up Soy Sauce substitutes and they mentioned Worcestershire Sauce. Being in a bind, I used that. Perfection! The blending of the Worcestershire Sauce, lemon, and brown sugar created a more rich and sophisticated flavor than I would have expected. This is a keeper for us for sure.
In same boat and trying with with Worcestershire sauce as well. Fingers crossed!
Perfect! Super quick and easy too.
My oven broiler allows for heat variation from 400 F to 550. What temperature should I broil at? Thanks
500 degrees F!
I use this recipe all the time, just as written. Perfect!
Salmon is my favorite fish and I love this easy yummy version!
Just as the others are saying, this was great – easy, quick and delicious. Thank you.
WOW!!!… my first reviebut it earned it.lol It was excellent!!! .We served with Basmati and dill rice.
Im not ashamed to say we pound too much seasoning into everything, except salt.
Use alot! of dill and 2 teaspoons of butter in with your rice.
Dont forget to drizzle the pan drippings over all.
I made this for dinner tonight. It was the best broiled salmon i ever ate. I used fresh cut herbs and broiled in an iron skillet.
Looks delicious! I have two questions. Do you turn the salmon? How far from the broiler should the rack and pan be? Thanks.
I don’t turn the salmon, and the pan should be 6 inches from the broiler!
Can I marinate this overnight?
Yes you can
This was so delicious. I am not really a fish eater but my husband and I both really loved it. I have already made it again twice! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes.
Hello
This salmon recipe, which I think I can speak for everyone, has us salivating over here🤤….Geesh.
Would it be alright to ask about the rice you served it with as well.. Is it homemade and would you be willing to share that recipe as well… The pairing of that salmon with rice and asparagus(which I’ve been obsessed with this season) is a meal fit for heaven!!
Thank you😉
It’s just a boxed wild rice mix with some parsley added to it! Hope you enjoy!
This recipe is so versatile, can go with so many side dishes the possibilities are endless!
These would disappear in our house! These are mouth watering!
I love a good salmon recipe! And I’ve totally found one with this recipe!
Such a light and flavorful meal! Exactly what I was looking for a summer evening dinner! Delish!
I LOVE how easy and delicious this is!! A must make!!
I’m trying to eat more fish lately and this recipe is so simple and perfect for our family, thanks!
Thank you for breaking down when you know that salmon is cooked! Can’t wait to try this recipe!!!
These are such a simple and delicious meal!! Love the ease of it!