Magic Salmon Seasoning

Let this tasty salmon seasoning work its magic! This blend makes the fish taste incredible whether it’s baked, pan seared or grilled.

Want to make your salmon taste like a restaurant? Try this magic salmon seasoning! This spice blend works with any type of salmon and to bring out the best savory flavor. Once we stumbled upon this incredible spice blend, we stopped using any other recipe for this fish. All you need is a jar of this best seasoning for salmon and you’re good to go! Grill it, bake it, or pan fry it, and this seasoning impresses everyone every time. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients in salmon seasoning

The secret spices in this salmon seasoning are inspired by a few things. First off: Old Bay! It’s a popular seasoning for seafood and we wanted to bring in some of those notes. We also took inspiration from our blackened seasoning, used often for salmon. The final blend uses the best of both mixes, without the heat. Simply mix together the following ingredients in a clean jar:

• Smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Celery seed
• Cumin
• Allspice
• Salt

How to season salmon

Here’s the important part! Once you’ve got your salmon seasoning mixed up, how do you season salmon? Here’s the magic ratio to use, and a few tips for whether you’re making grilled or baked salmon:

• Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon spice blend for every ½ pound of salmon.
• Grilled salmon or Pan seared salmon: Pat 1 pound salmon dry with a clean towel. Rub it with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons seasoning blend.
• Baked salmon: Pat 1 pound salmon dry and place it on oiled foil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons seasoning blend.

About smoked paprika

Use smoked paprika if you can find it for this salmon seasoning! It adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s irresistible. Smoked paprika is a Spanish version of paprika that is made with peppers that are smoked over a fire. You can find it in the spice aisle in most grocery stores; it’s also available online here. It might be labeled as pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika.

You can substitute sweet paprika if it’s all you can find, but we highly recommend seeking out the smoked version. It truly makes this the best seasoning for salmon.

How long to store salmon seasoning

You can store your homemade salmon seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Of course, it’s best when it’s the freshest! Spices generally last in a cool, dry place for 8 months to 1 year. You can use this spice blend to add new life to spices that you’ve had for a while.

More ways to season salmon

There are lots of ways to season salmon! If you want some ideas on how to branch out from this seasoning blend, we’ve got lots of options. Here are our favorite ideas:

• Cajun salmon: Try it with Cajun Seasoning (hot) or Blackened Seasoning (mild), to taste.
• Honey garlic salmon: Add this tasty Honey Garlic Sauce.
• Mexican style salmon: Use Fajita Seasoning and spritz with lime.
• Teriyaki salmon: Paint with the sauce from this Teriyaki Salmon.
• Bourbon glazed salmon: Make the glaze from this Bourbon Salmon.
• Salmon with capers: Make the caper butter from Salmon with Capers.
• Lemon dill sauce: Serve with the sauce from Lemon Dill Salmon.

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Honey Garlic Salmon

02

Cajun Salmon

03

Lemon Dill Salmon

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Salmon with Capers

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.

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More seasoning blends

Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than storebought—and are fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends (listed by style):

• Mexican: Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, Fish Taco Seasoning
• Mediterranean: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Herbes de Provence
• American: Old Bay Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning
• All Purpose: Seasoned Salt