How to Season Salmon

Name: How to Season Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 TBSP brown sugar; 2 tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp ginger powder; ½ tsp mustard powder; 1 tsp dried tarragon; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper

Transform your salmon into seafood bliss with this delicious Salmon Seasoning.

How to Season Salmon featured image above

During college, I spent a summer in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Alaska. I fell madly in love with a local, and on our first date, we engaged in a time-honored tradition of fishing. Specifically, for salmon. Because it was spawning season, the glimmering salmon were everywhere. I felt like I could reach down into the crisp, clear water and grab a salmon with my bare hands. (Don’t worry; I didn’t). With his tall wading boots and dimpled smile, my date caught a few beautiful salmon within minutes, and we headed back to his house, where he impressed me with his salmon prep. The secret: this seasoning. It brought out the best flavor of the salmon without covering up the richness of the meat.

That romance lasted only a season, but the salmon seasoning was the gift that keeps on giving. My husband uses it now when he prepares salmon, and he’s confident enough in us to give a hat-tip to that long-ago summer fling. While we like other salmon recipes, including this recipe using canned salmon when we’re in a pinch or smoked salmon mousse when we’re feeling fancy, this is our tried-and-true go-to seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This seasoned salmon pairs beautifully with pasta or mashed potatoes. Drizzle with a zesty lemon butter or dill sauce.

Ingredients

1 TBSP brown sugar
2 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ginger powder
½ tsp mustard powder
1 tsp dried tarragon
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Yields: 1 serving

Measure out all of the ingredients into a bowl.

Mix the ingredients until nicely combined.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Salmon Seasoning

Make sure your spices and herbs are fresh. Like any product, spices and herbs lose flavor over time.
When applying the seasoning, evenly cover the entire surface of the salmon.
Let the seasoned salmon to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use this seasoning for other dishes?

This seasoning is amazingly versatile, and it will work well with other kinds of fish, chicken, and even roasted veggies. Go nuts!

What’s the best kind of salmon to use?

This seasoning works with all types—fresh from the water or frozen, king or sockeye.

I’m out of brown sugar. Am I out of luck, too?

Nope. You can use honey or maple syrup.

Variations

Add dried oregano, lemon zest, and olive oil.
Incorporate five-spice powder and sesame seeds.
Use chipotle powder instead of paprika.
Add a dose of Cajun seasoning.

Make Ahead and How to Store

This seasoning can be made ahead of time and stored in your pantry in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use, season the salmon and follow whatever recipe you’ve chosen to prepare it. Leftover salmon can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for leftovers, reheat the salmon in a 275°F oven or use the microwave on low power.