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

Grilled salmon

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
Salmon seasoning

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.

Grilled 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:

Salmon seasoning

This recipe is…

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

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Salmon seasoning

Magic Salmon Seasoning


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 tablespoons 1x

Description

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


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

  1. Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store for 6 months to 1 year in a cool, dry place.
  2. How to season salmon: Use 1 tablespoon salmon seasoning for every ½ pound (8 ounces) of salmon.
  • Category: Seasoning
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Salmon Seasoning, How to Season Salmon, seasoning for salmon, best seasoning for salmon

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):

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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13 Comments

  1. This is SO awesome!!! I mixed another batch just to put on the shelf as a staple 😁

    1. I love your spice recipe for fish, and many of your other recipes! I grew up in Louisiana and Chicago, and love different smoked vibrant fish and meat
      rubs! Looking forward to trying this dry rub.

      Thank You
      Aeschylus Bryant

  2. How long would you cook this in the oven and at what temperature? Or is it better to pan fry it and if so, how long?
    Thanks.

  3. This is quite possibly the best salmon seasoning I’ve ever had! The flavors marry together incredibly well. I make this in large batches for me and my roommates to use, I suggest you do the same! ;)

  4. I have enjoyed baking Salmon with your recipe a few times & a close friend also liked it.

  5. A great rub for salmon, the drizzle made a big hit with the family. Thank you for sharing it with us.