This Salmon Seasoning boasts a delightful combination of sweetness, smokiness, and a hint of saltiness. Comprising just five simple ingredients, it’s incredibly quick to prepare and delivers fantastic herbaceous flavors that you’ll appreciate.
Recipe Details
I adore this Salmon Seasoning because regardless of my cooking method, it lends an exceptional flavor profile to the fish. Additionally, it is remarkably handy since it has a long shelf life, allowing me to prepare several batches in advance for future use.
- TASTE: This Salmon Seasoning harmonizes sweet, smoky, and salty notes, with the earthy thyme and spicy black pepper providing an unforgettable punch.
- TEXTURE: The coarser sea salt adds a bit of graininess, yet it dissolves smoothly when applied to your salmon before cooking.
- TIME: You can whip up this seasoning in just a few minutes.
- EASE: Simple and convenient, this seasoning utilizes common pantry staples and remains good for at least a year.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Brown sugar- Adds a deep sweetness that brings out the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika- This spice contributes a rich, smoky flavor due to the drying of peppers over open flames.
- Thyme- Known for its earthy and herbaceous qualities, thyme offers a mild peppery taste.
- Sea salt- Its flaky consistency allows for quick dissolution, resulting in less salt usage for a full flavor.
- Black pepper- Adds a touch of heat.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add more salt- Adjust the saltiness according to your taste preference.
- Add onion or garlic- Granulated onion or garlic powder can elevate the seasoning’s flavor profile.
- Skip the brown sugar- Feel free to omit sugar if you are avoiding sugar or carbs.
- Add cayenne pepper- For a spicy kick, incorporate some cayenne into the mix.
How to Make Salmon Seasoning
- Combine the spices in a bowl. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
- Mix well. Use a fork or small whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Store or apply to your salmon before cooking.
Pro Tip: This recipe yields approximately 3 tablespoons of seasoning (sufficient for a whole 2-pound salmon fillet).
Recipe Tips
- Ensure your brown sugar is soft- If your brown sugar is dried out and hard, it won’t mix well with the spices. Opt for soft brown sugar that resembles wet sand.
- Season to taste- This rub is lightly salted; you will likely need to add salt to your salmon fillet prior to using the seasoning.
- Proper storage is key- Keep the seasoning in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the sugar from hardening. Store it in a cool, dry area to preserve its flavor.
FAQs
This recipe features a blend of paprika and thyme, complemented by salt, pepper, and brown sugar. However, salmon pairs well with a variety of seasonings such as dill, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, cumin, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
The optimal moment to season salmon is right before cooking, whether you’re grilling, baking, or using an air fryer. Letting a salty seasoning rest on the fish for an extended period can result in the salt breaking down the proteins and drying out the fish.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade salmon seasoning is incredibly flavorful and enhances any meal. Use it with your favorite salmon dishes and accompany it with grains, pasta, vegetables, or salads.
- Grains: Serve your salmon over a bed of Wild Rice, Quinoa Fried Rice, or Wild Brown Rice.
- Vegetables: Pair it with some Sautéed Garlic Asparagus, Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
- Pasta: Enjoy it alongside Tri Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO), Asparagus Pasta, Easy Pasta Primavera, or Easy Penne Alla Vodka.
- Salads: Complement it with a Spinach Salad, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or Chicken Salad With Grapes.
Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time
Make ahead: You can prepare this seasoning mix in advance and store it in a jar, ziplock, or airtight container until ready to use.
Storing: Keep this seafood seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. It can last for up to a year.
Freeze: For longer storage, place the seasoning mix in a ziplock freezer bag and store it in the freezer where it can last for about 2 years.
Additional Tasty Salmon Recipes!
- Pineapple Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Appetizer (VIDEO)
- Cilantro Lime Salmon
- Panko Crusted Salmon
Comprehensive Recipe Instructions
Salmon Seasoning (Rub)
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