The Super Easy Salmon Dish Fans Say They Make When They’re ‘Short on Time, Overwhelmed and Hungry‘

Salmon is often seen as a dish that can be a little trick to make, which is part of the reason I don't make it often. But I recently found a recipe shared by content creator Joanne Gallagher (@inspiredtaste) that looks fast and pretty much foolproof, two things I look for in weeknight recipes. She shared her go-to salmon dish for when she’s short on time and hungry, and it’s super quick and really simple.

This recipe is a great reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, salmon can be an easy, go-to option for busy nights when you need a nutritious meal fast. I can't wait to make this for dinner!

Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Baked Salmon, According to Chef Jacques Pépin

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What's So Great About This Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

When you’re short on time, overwhelmed, and hungry, a quick and easy dinner is a lifesaver. That’s where this Brown Sugar Baked Salmon comes in! This sheet pan recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

With a quick brown sugar spice rub, tender salmon and a touch of fresh lemon, this dish delivers a balance of sweet, smoky and citrusy flavors—all in just 25 minutes.

You can get the full ingredients on Joanne's Instagram page, but the key ingredients include salmon fillets, salt, brown sugar, lemon zest, smoked paprika (for a kick, add a pinch of cayenne) and veggies, like green beans, asparagus, cherry tomatoes or snap peas.

Related: My Chef-Husband Taught Me the Easiest Way to Make the Best-Ever Grilled Salmon

How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

This recipe creates moist, tender salmon with a beautifully caramelized exterior—all with minimal effort.

To make it, you mix the brown sugar, lemon zest, salt and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Generously rub the mixture over the salmon fillets.

Place the salmon on a sheet pan. If you're adding veggies, arrange them around the salmon for an easy one-pan meal.

Roast the fish and veggies at 400° for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For perfect doneness, use a thermometer—remove the salmon at 125°F for a slightly pink center. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.

Related: How to Make the Best Air-Fryer Salmon

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Baked Salmon

This salmon pairs well with many side dishes. Because it is cooked on a sheet pan, it’s easy to add vegetables to the same tray, but if you don't want to use the veggies listed above, you can roast or steam some broccoli or Brussels sprouts separately from the fish.

This also goes great with salad, sweet potatoes, carrots, corn or cilantro lime rice.

With just ten minutes of prep and about 15-20 minutes in the oven, this Brown Sugar Baked Salmon is a fast, flavorful and foolproof dinner that's perfect for busy nights, special occasions or even meal prepping for the week. I can imagine making it for dinner one night and then having it on a salad for lunch the next day. You could even flake the leftover fish, mix it with some mayo and herbs and use it for a sandwich or salad. I love easy recipes that help me get ahead!

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