Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon.

Salmon rubbed with a simple blend of brown sugar, dried orange peel, dried mustard powder, garlic powder, dried onion, paprika and salt, then baked until flaky. This is an easy, healthy and ridiculously delicious way to serve salmon.

An image of baked flaky salmon

This recipe was originally posted on March 21, 2015, but has been updated with new images. 

We’ve been making this citrus rub salmon since 2015, if not before, and it never gets old.

I always buy more salmon than we’ll eat that night for dinner, so that we can have it for leftovers the next day – usually those leftovers are perfect for lunch or a super quick repeat dinner the next night. But, other times, like in this case, you can make a completely unique and special meal – so it doesn’t seem like you’re eating “leftovers” at all.

An image of baked salmon

Tell me more about this Sweet Citrus and Spice Rub:

I created this (very simple) homemade rub for the salmon because my all time favorite McCormick rub, Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon Rub (below), was discontinued back in 2015. Before it was discontinued, I bought a case of it online. It was that good. That case was gone very quickly.

This copy-cat sweet citrus and spice rub is a combination of:

  • Brown sugar
  • Dried orange peel
  • Dried mustard powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried onion
  • Paprika
  • Kosher salt

On the right is the original McCormick salmon rub. On the left is my copy-cat. It took a few tries to get the ratios just right. This homemade version comes pretty darn close to the real deal.


This Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon can be served with any roasted seasonal veggies and brown rice or overtop a seasonal salad with whole grain rolls.

Below are the salmon patties we love to make with any leftover salmon.

Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon via JennySheaRawn.com

 

Here’s how to make this baked salmon recipe:

Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon

Salmon rubbed with a combination of brown sugar, dried orange peel, dried mustard powder, garlic powder, dried onion, paprika and salt, then baked until flaky.
5 from 1 vote
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 263 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried orange peel
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425. Combine spices together. 
  • Sprinkle generously over fish and let sit 10 minutes (you won’t use all the rub, so save the remainder for next time).
  • Place salmon on a tinfoil lined baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes, until desired doneness (we like ours a bit rosey in the middle).

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 34gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 367mgPotassium: 874mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon
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And the Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon Sliders:

Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon Sliders

Sweet citrus salmon flaked then formed into patties and pan-fried until crispy.
5 from 1 vote
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 605 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces salmon fillets (leftovers from Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon), flaked into pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs (gives the patties that nice crispy crust)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt OR reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for frying
  • 4 whole wheat slider buns
  • 4 Bibb lettuce leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl combine salmon, egg and breadcrumbs. Shape into 4 patties. 
  • Heat a sauté pan on medium high with 1 tsp olive oil.  When pan is hot, add patties. 
  • Cook 2-3 minutes until lightly browned on the underneath, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Spread yogurt or cream cheese on top half of each bun and add a lettuce leaf to each bottom bun. Add one salmon slider to each bun.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 605kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 50gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 177mgSodium: 639mgPotassium: 1144mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1181IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Sweet Citrus and Spice Salmon Sliders
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

PIN this simple Salmon recipe for later:

 

More great salmon recipes:

Mediterranean Salmon

Best Baked Salmon

Best Grilled Salmon with Summer Corn Salad