Sweet and Smoky Salmon with Shallots and Lemon Recipe
This baked sweet and smoky salmon is an easy, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes! The salmon is coated in a dry rub made with smoked paprika, brown sugar, and thyme, topped with sliced shallots and lemon, and baked until buttery and flaky.
Ingredients
Sweet and Smoky Seasoning
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Salmon
- 2 pound side of salmon boneless and skinless preferred (alternatively, you can use individually cut filets)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots sliced
- 2 lemons sliced
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil for easier cleanup.
- Make the spice rub by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper.1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- At this point, you can cut the side of salmon into 6 individual servings or filets, or leave the salmon as is. If you do cut it, be sure separate the individual pieces slightly or they will bake back into each other, making it hard to separate them later.2 pound side of salmon
- Pat the salmon dry, then brush it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the fish and gently pat it in.1 tbsp olive oil
- Add the shallot slices on top of the fish, distributing evenly. Then top with the lemon. Putting the lemons on top of the shallots helps protect them so they don’t cook too quickly or burn in the oven.2 shallots, 2 lemons
- Bake the salmon for about 15 to 18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F to 135°F for medium doneness. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon. Remove salmon from oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. It’ll keep cooking a little from residual heat while it rests.
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley (optional). Taste for final seasoning (add more salt, if needed), and serve immediately.Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)