Salmon Seasoning is a simple spice blend that adds savory and mildly spicy flavors to your favorite salmon dishes. Made with basic pantry spices, it's perfect for enhancing the taste of any salmon cut, whether you're baking, roasting, air frying, pan frying, or searing.
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This homemade seasoning is a lifesaver on busy weeknights because it's quick to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences. And the best part? It's not just for salmon! You can sprinkle it on other seafood, poultry, or veggies for added flavor.
Whether you're grilling in the backyard, preparing a quick salmon dinner, or cooking up something simple for everyday meals, this seasoning is a must-have in your kitchen. Now, let's check out how to make it!
Discover More Salmon Delights:
- Salmon Marinade
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Grilled Salmon
- Blackened Salmon
- Oven Baked Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you'll need for this Salmon Seasoning are pretty basic and you probably already have them in your kitchen. If not, they're easily available at any local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- Paprika: This is the base of our seasoning. It offers a mild earthiness with a bit of heat and a peppery taste. Plain paprika works great, but if you enjoy a charred flavor, try using smoked paprika instead.
- Cayenne Pepper: I add a dash of cayenne to kick up the heat. If you prefer your seasoning on the milder side, feel free to skip this ingredient.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: These bring a sweet and garlicky flavor that enhances the seasoning. Although I often recommend fresh onion and garlic, using the powdered versions here helps keep your seasoning fresh longer.
- Ground Ginger: It adds a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor, contributing to the depth of the seasoning.
- Ground Mustard: I love the sharp and slightly bitter flavor of ground mustard, which really elevates the overall taste profile.
- Dried Thyme: This herb adds a bright and peppery note. You can also experiment with dried basil or rosemary to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for enriching the flavors of the other spices, these should not be omitted from your seasoning mix.
How to Make Salmon Seasoning at Home?
Let’s make this Homemade Salmon Seasoning together! This recipe is simple—all you need to do is gather and mix the ingredients. To enhance your experience, I've included photos and a video tutorial. So, grab your spices, and let’s dive in!
Explore More Homemade Seasonings:
- Blackened Seasoning
- Creole Seasoning
- BBQ Spice Rub
- Adobo Seasoning
- Steak Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
Salmon Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Ground Ginger
- ½ tsp Mustard Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt, or to taste
Instructions
Preparing Salmon Seasoning
- Start by gathering all the spices listed in the ingredients section. Add them into a mixing bowl.
- Use a spoon or a whisk to thoroughly mix the spices together. This ensures each spice is evenly distributed, giving your seasoning a balanced flavor. Once mixed, your Salmon Seasoning is ready to use or can be stored for later.
Usage
- You can be generous with this seasoning. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1½ teaspoons for each salmon fillet (approximately 5-6 oz). For more creative ways to use this mix, check out our 'How to Use' section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Tailor Your Taste: While the recipe I've shared provides a balanced flavor, feel free to adjust it to suit your preferences. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding some brown sugar, or for a zesty kick, try including dried lemon zest.
- Avoid Contamination: Always use a spoon or shaker to add your seasoning—never your hands, especially after handling salmon or other meats. This helps prevent contamination and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Experiment with Texture: Consider using a mix of finely ground and coarsely ground spices to add texture to your seasoning. This can create a more interesting mouthfeel and visual appeal when used on salmon or other dishes.
- Label for Future Use: It’s a good idea to label your seasoning jar with the date it was made and a best-by date. This ensures you use the seasoning while it's still fresh and at its most flavorful.
- Make in Bulk: If you frequently cook salmon or other dishes that could use this seasoning, consider making it in bulk. This saves time and ensures you always have your delicious seasoning ready to go.
- Freshness Tip: To ensure your Homemade Salmon Seasoning delivers the best flavor, always check the freshness of your spices before using them. Spices can lose their potency over time, which can significantly affect the taste of your dish. A good rule of thumb is to smell your spices; if they don't emit a strong, distinct aroma, they might not be as effective.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking to add a little extra flair to your regular meals? Check out our collection of homemade seasonings, marinades, and dressings! These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for spicing up any dish and can be quickly prepared right in your kitchen.
How to Use this Salmon Seasoning?
This Salmon Seasoning is incredibly versatile, and here are my suggestions on how to use it to elevate a variety of dishes:
- Chicken: This seasoning is perfect as a rub for baked chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just apply a generous amount before roasting to infuse your poultry with delicious flavors that will delight your family at dinner time.
- Seafood Dishes: While it's crafted for salmon, this spice blend is equally fantastic on other seafood such as shrimp, lobster, and fish like tilapia. Sprinkle some on before cooking to enhance the natural flavors with a savory twist.
- Roasted Veggies: Don't hesitate to use this seasoning on your vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with cauliflower, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and even pumpkin. Just toss your veggies in the seasoning before roasting to add an exciting flavor profile to your side dishes.
- Tacos: Transform your taco nights by incorporating this seasoning into your chicken, shrimp, or fish fillings. It adds a unique flavor that sets your tacos apart from the traditional versions.
Storage Suggestions
You can keep this homemade Salmon Seasoning fresh for up to 6 months by storing it in an airtight jar or container. For longer-lasting freshness, consider preparing a larger batch and ensuring it's sealed tightly. Store the container in a cool, dark place to help preserve the wonderful flavors. This way, you'll always have this delicious seasoning on hand when you need it!
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