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Plated brown sugar salmon recipe served with bacon green beans, top-down view

Brown Sugar Salmon Recipe (Pan Fried)

This brown sugar salmon recipe is pan fried to a caramelized crust in minutes. Sweet, savory, and ready for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 heavy bottom skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Instructions

  • Mix the brown sugar, cumin, black pepper, dry mustard, and salt in a small bowl.
  • Press the spice mix onto the flesh side only (no need to pat the salmon dry first).
  • Let the salmon sit for 10-15 minutes so the rub is absorbed before cooking.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the salmon flesh-side down until a deep golden crust forms, about 4 minutes.
  • Flip skin-side down and cook until the salmon flakes easily, about 3 minutes more.
  • Rest 2 minutes before serving.