When I need a quick, fresh dinner in 20 minutes, this Sheet Pan BBQ Salmon and Sweet Potatoes is my go-to. With just five ingredients and about five minutes of prep, you can make a light, flavorful, protein-packed meal in the oven.
Bring the flavor to BBQ salmon!
I love glazing salmon and roasting it in the oven. Two of my favorite weeknight variations are Balsamic Glazed Salmon and Miso Salmon. To switch things up, I tried a smoky BBQ glaze and sweet potatoes on the same sheet pan — it was too easy and tasty not to share.
Each salmon fillet gets a coating of a bold, smoky BBQ rub, then a brush of BBQ sauce to create a caramelized glaze. The sweet potatoes are tossed with the same rub and roast beside the fish. The result balances sweet and smoky flavors and makes for an effortless, satisfying dinner on busy nights.
Key ingredients
Below is a quick overview of the ingredients and notes to help with shopping and preparation. The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card further down.
- BBQ seasoning – Use a store-bought rub you like or make a simple blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. The rub gives both the salmon and the sweet potatoes a smoky-sweet base.
- BBQ sauce – Any favorite bottled sauce works well. Use a sauce you enjoy for brushing onto the salmon to get that sticky, caramelized finish.
- Salmon – Skin-on or skin-off fillets both work. Choose fillets that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly; 1-inch-thick pieces are ideal so the salmon finishes at the same time as the sweet potato cubes.
Instructions
I include step-by-step photos to make this recipe easier to follow. For the full instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to serve it
The salmon and sweet potatoes make a complete meal, but I often add a crisp side salad for freshness. Roasted or steamed greens brighten the plate and add texture.
If you want more vegetables, roast diced zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower alongside the salmon; they will cook in about the same time when cut into similar-size pieces. Toss with a little olive oil and seasoning before adding to the sheet pan.
To turn this into a bowl, serve the salmon and sweet potatoes over cooked rice or quinoa and top with a fresh salsa, such as pineapple or mango-avocado, for a sweet-heat contrast.
Oven Baked BBQ Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potato, small dice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons bbq seasoning, divided
- 1 pound salmon filets
- ¼ cup bbq sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F.
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Line a large sheet pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
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Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pan, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat. Move them to one side of the sheet pan.
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Place the salmon on the other side of the sheet pan, season with the remaining tablespoon of BBQ seasoning, and brush the top with BBQ sauce.
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Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Dice the sweet potatoes into small ¼-inch cubes. Small cubes cook through in 12–15 minutes alongside the salmon. Larger pieces will take longer and may not become tender in the same time.
- If you only want salmon, omit the sweet potatoes and olive oil, and use 1 tablespoon of BBQ seasoning on the fish.
- Other vegetable options: Diced zucchini, broccoli florets, cauliflower, bell peppers, or asparagus all roast well with the salmon when cut into similar-sized pieces.
- If you prefer to grill, season and brush the salmon with BBQ sauce, then cook skin-side down on a medium-high, oiled grill for 12–15 minutes.