Grilled Brazilian Rub Salmon is perfect for summertime. The rub is delicious and very kid-friendly. My kids normally don’t like salmon, but this is one salmon recipe that they all love. I’m not sure there’s anything Brazilian about this recipe, but that’s the name based on a recipe my friend gave me many years ago. 2 Freestyle WW points.
Grilled Brazilian Rub Salmon is a recipe I’ve had for years. I don’t remember where I got it from, but it’s one of those recipes that can be made quickly, yet is impressive.
To be honest, I’m not sure there’s anything Brazilian about this recipe, but that’s the name of the recipe that was given to me.
Brazilian Rub Salmon Marinade
First, the salmon is marinated briefly in fresh orange and lemon juice and seasoned with salt and pepper. I’ve used lime juice and it’s worked well too.
Brazilian Rub
Next, the rub for this Brazilian Rub Salmon is mixed together and spread on top of the salmon. The rub consists of fresh garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, paprika, and chili powder. The original recipe didn’t call for Spanish smoked paprika, but I added it for extra smoky flavor.
Using Cedar Planks for Grilling
Cedar planks are a great way to add extra smokiness to this Brazilian Rub Salmon recipe. It makes a dramatic presentation too. Cedar planks need to be soaked for at least 30 minutes, if not longer. Otherwise, they might catch on fire (this has happened to me before). Drizzle some oil on the cedar plank, place the salmon on top and drizzle a little bit of extra virgin olive oil on top. If you don’t have a cedar plank, I suggest grilling the salmon on top of an oiled piece of foil. This will keep the fish from sticking to the grill.
Kid Friendly Fish
My boys don’t like cooked fish (they like sushi), but they love this Brazilian Rub Salmon. The first time I made it this summer, I made enough just for my husband and me. The boys wanted to taste it and before I knew it, they had devoured our dinner. I’ve been making this Brazilian Rub Salmon at least once a week ever since.
Watch this video to see how easy Grilled Brazilian Rub Salmon is to make:
Grilled Brazilian Rub Salmon
Ingredients
- 28 ounces salmon cut into 6 portions
- juice of 1 orange
- juice of 1 lemon
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Place fish in pie dish. Sprinkle with orange and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper; let sit for 15-20 minutes.
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In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, paprika, chili powder, garlic and olive oil. Spread evenly on top of salmon.
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Place salmon pieces on an oiled foil-lined baking sheet.
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Grill until cooked through.
Recipe Notes
The salmon can also be baked at 425 degrees for about 12-15 minutes, until cooked through.
2 Freestyle WW points.
If you like grilled salmon, you might like these recipes too:
Grilled Salmon with Thai Coconut Curry Sauce
Grilled Salmon with Spicy Korean Chile Pepper Sauce
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So delicious! I would have devour the whole batch too!
Jeanette says
Thank you Angie! My kids love this way of preparing salmon 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I sure will be trying this rub! Making salmon tonight actually!
Jeanette says
I hope you like this Rebecca!
Liz says
I’ve been eating salmon once or twice a day while we’re here in Alaska—so fabulous!!! I can’t wait to try your wonderful rub when we get home.
Jeanette says
I hope you enjoy this Liz!
Jenni says
You know if your kiddos devour it, it’s a keeper! Fast and impressive is a great combo!
Jeanette says
It’s always a good test when my kids eat it, especially when it comes to fish.
John T. says
I love salmon and I love all these recipes! ???? Thanks for sharing………
Jeanette says
Thanks so much John – I appreciate you trying my recipes!
Jane, The Heritage Cook says
I would have to make a whole side of salmon to have any left for myself with this seasoning on it. This is going on my Must Make During the Olympics list! It is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of Brazil. Great choice Jeanette!
Jeanette says
Haha Jane! It would be fun to make during the Olympics 🙂
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
My kids love salmon and I love quick and easy recipes like these! Is the salmon spicy at all? I love spice, but curious for my kids!
Jeanette says
If you use mild chili powder and sweet smoked paprika, it shouldn’t be spicy. The brown sugar definitely makes this kid-friendly.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Awesome, thanks so much!
Ansh says
My daughter is like your kids. She wants to try something first before committing to an entire meal and if she likes it she will devour it :))
I love the color and smokiness in your salmon and that cedar plank makes for a beautiful presentation.
Jeanette says
Thanks Ansh – thankfully my kids have gotten more adventurous over the years 🙂
laura@motherwouldknow says
We often eat grilled salmon, but usually leave it plain, adding just a bit of dill and relying on sauce on the side. I love this rub though (especially the addition of the smoked paprika) – will definitely have to try it.
Jeanette says
This is a great recipe, especially during the summertime. We’ve been making it a lot and everyone loves it 🙂