Learn how to make the Best Salmon Seasoning with this fantastic homemade recipe. It's so good, and it takes your fish game to the next level. Whether you are grilling, baking, air frying or even blackening, you have to use this easy go to flavor.
Why This Recipe is the Best
We tested this recipe over and over to create the perfect chocolate crinkle cookie that's soft-baked, chewy, and never dry. These bake up crackly on the outside and moist on the inside, with a texture similar to a fudgy brownie.
You'll love how easy they are to make-no chilling required-and how well they hold up when frozen. Whether you stick with the classic or add freeze-dried raspberries, peppermint extract, or chocolate chunks, this recipe is the one to keep.
Try our other tasty seasonings and dips like our Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning, Ramen Seasoning, and Pot Roast Seasoning.
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Key Ingredients
Make your own copycat Old Bay or McCormick seasoning with these simple pantry staple ingredients.
- Paprika- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead.
- Onion powder- Use minced dried onion or onion powder. Onion powder mixes with the other spices and herbs.
- Thyme- The Thyme flavor gives it a more Italian taste rather than an Asian inspired taste.
- Lemon zest- Lemon always helps fish taste better. As we tested this recipe over and over, we found the perfect amount of lemon to really make all the flavors pop and to perfectly accent the salmon. It's tanginess pulls all the ingredients together for the best flavor.
- Chili pepper flakes- This is optional, but it gives the recipe a great spicy taste.
How to Make Salmon Seasoning
Use these process shots to help get the results you want. The pictures can help with texture and be a visual guide for best results.
- Combine the spices with the herbs.
- Once all of the spices and herbs are in one bowl, you can begin to mix together.
- Either with a spoon or gently swirling the seasoning around in the bowl, mix the spices and herbs together until well mixed.
- Measure out the desired amount and add it as a rub to salmon or any other fish, chicken, or French fry recipe.
Hint: Make sure to mix well in order for the spices to be evenly distributed.
Top tip
Don't be afraid to add a generous amount of seasoning when applied to salmon. You'll lose some of the spices when you cook it.
Recipe
Best Salmon Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon paprika ½ smoked for a smoky flavor, if desired
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon parsley
- ¼ teaspoon chilli pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Measure all spices into a bowl. Whisk together until well blended. See pictures above for a great visual.
- Rub avocado oil (or other desired oil) over salmon filets. Sprinkle seasoning on both sides of filet then cook to desired doneness on the grill, in the oven, air fryer, broiler, etc.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- You may also store in the refrigerator or freezer if desired.
- For a sweet variation, add 1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar.
- After rubbing a bit of oil on salmon then rubbing in the seasoning, top salmon with a pat of butter for a deliciously crisp top and a warm buttery flavor. This was our taste testers' favorite way of enjoying it!
Nutrition
Why is Salmon so good for you?
Salmon is considered one of the best-for-you foods on the planet because it's full of nutrients. It's an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and minerals like selenium and potassium. Eating salmon regularly has been linked to improved cardiovascular function, cognitive function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Cooking Variations
Need some ideas on how to use the best salmon seasoning? Try it on these different types of fish cuts and meals.
- Steaks - Salmon steaks pair great with this dry rub.
- For the oven - Add this magic seasoning to your sockeye and cook it in the oven. Wrap it in tinfoil so it doesn't dry out and maintains its moist texture.
- Smoked- Smoking a salmon in your Traeger always has tasty results. You can't go wrong seasoning it with this combo of spices and herbs.
- Cedar Plank- Grill or smoke your salmon on a cedar plank in order to enhance the flavor.
- Broiled- Try broiling your fish. Make sure to watch for burning and make sure the internal temperature reaches 125°F.
- Seared- Make pan-seared salmon with a cast iron skillet.
Other Great Uses
This seasoning could also pair deliciously with French fries, chicken, burgers, and even roasted vegetables. It's a quick and easy way to add flavor to any dish. Add to this homemade salmon burger.
How to Store Salmon Seasoning
Store in an air-tight container in the pantry for several months. This is a great spice mix to have on hand and through on a meal for added flavor.
FAQ
There are a variety of flavor profiles that go well with salmon. You can go Asain inspired by adding teriyaki or fruikake. You can have it Mexican style by blackening it for tacos. Or try it Cajun style.
The best seasoning to put on Salmon is a mixture of spices and herbs like garlic, paprika, thyme, parsley, and, of course, lemon.
This recipe is a great mixture of spices and herbs to go on Salmon. It contains paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, lemon, black pepper, salt, and chili powder. You can add other variations like dill or cayenne pepper for a Cajun taste.
Any seasoning that has garlic and lemon in it is great with the pink fish. It enhances the flavor and brings out the flavors you love.
Making Salmon Seasoning is easy. Simply add together the paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, lemon, black pepper, salt, and chili powder and mix them together in a bowl. Generously rub it onto the fish and cook it your preferred method.
The best herbs and spices for salmon are paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, lemon, black pepper, salt, and chili powder.
You can add Teriyaki sauce, fruikake, lemon, Cajun mix, everything but the bagel mix, or basic salt, pepper, and garlic.
Andrea says
This salmon seasoning is so perfect. I made a big batch and store it with my other spices.
Patricia says
This was DELICIOUS! I left out the lemon zest because I didn’t have any. Will definitely make again!
Nicole says
YAY! We're so glad you loved it 🙂