Oven BBQ Salmon

This Oven BBQ Salmon recipe calls for salmon cut into servings and seasoned on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. The fish is placed on a generous coating of olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet and brushed with BBQ sauce repeatedly while broiling to develop a thick, caramelized glaze. The result is tender, flaky salmon with a sticky, flavorful crust enhanced by the sweet and smoky notes of the BBQ sauce.

The broiling process involves multiple rounds of brushing sauce and broiling for a total of about 10 minutes, with possible extra time depending on thickness and doneness preference. The skin can be made extra crispy by searing it in a hot oiled skillet before broiling. Keeping the oven door ajar during broiling is recommended for safety and heat regulation.

This dish pairs well with simple sides to balance the bold BBQ flavor, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or salad. Using a BBQ sauce with sugar allows a glossy, caramelized finish, though lower sugar or no-sugar sauces will yield a less sticky crust. The recipe notes offer tips to adjust for dietary needs, like gluten-free or low-carb sauces, and to maintain the best texture when applying the sauce by dolloping rather than brushing.

Using BBQ sauce with sugar results in a thick, sticky glaze; sugar-free sauces will not thicken or brown the same way.For crispier skin, sear the salmon skin-side down in a very hot oiled pan prior to broiling.Oven-safe skillets can be used for broiling to reduce clean-up and help achieve crispy skin.Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free if needed to maintain dietary requirements.Dolloping BBQ sauce on the fish layer by layer helps build a thicker coating than brushing.Keep the oven door slightly open during broiling for safety and consistent heat.