My Homemade Salmon Seasoning can be mixed up in just 5 minutes. As well as being really easy to make, it tastes better than any store-bought mix. Use this dry salmon rub immediately, or mix up a bigger batch and store some for later, when you want to add an extra punch of flavor to your favorite salmon dish.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
This best salmon seasoning recipe works a treat on oily fish like salmon or tuna, but you could also use this dry seasoning rub with other white fish. You could even add some of the seasoning blend to your favorite fish burger or patty.
Salmon dry rub is made using a combination of brown sugar, salt, and dry spices. This differs from my fish seasoning, which does not have any brown sugar in the mix. The subtle sweetness in this mixture pairs well with salmon. One of my favorite ways to use this simple salmon seasoning is on my Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
Salmon is a nutrient rich fish, high in selenium and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. We should all be including more oily fish in our weekly diets and this easy salmon seasoning rub is a great way to mix up the flavors.
Ingredients
- Brown sugar – adds just the right balance of sweetness to the rub and a little caramelization on the salmon when cooked.
- Salt – I use table salt in this recipe, but if using kosher or sea salt, you may need to add about 1/4 teaspoon more.
- Garlic powder
- Course black pepper – you can also use ground black pepper if you prefer it finer, however I find course black pepper makes the seasoning pop.
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Ground mustard powder
- Ground cumin
Tools you’ll need for this recipe
- Small bowl for mixing
- An airtight container for storage
How To Make My Homemade Salmon Seasoning
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, coarse black pepper, onion powder, paprika, ground mustard powder, and ground cumin.
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Once blended, the seasoning is ready to be applied generously onto salmon.
How To Use Salmon Seasoning
- Use this salmon seasoning in place of store-bought packets.
- Once you have coated the salmon in the seasoning blend, you can cook the salmon immediately, or allow it to marinate for about 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- I suggest using 2 tablespoon of this seasoning mix per pound of salmon. If you prefer a lighter seasoning, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust according to taste.
- I use coarse black pepper in this seasoning mix but feel free to use ground black pepper. I find the presentation is better with the coarse seasoning.
Expert Tips
These tips will help you make the best salmon seasoning:
- Make sure that your ingredients aren’t stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers, if they release an aroma they are good to use.
- If there is a spice ingredient that you don’t like then leave it out.
- I prefer to make smaller batches of spice blends, that way, the seasoning blend always taste fresh.
- A funnel makes it easy to pour spices into a jar.
- Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in the recipe card below to modify the ingredients.
How to store
Storing your freshly made seasoning in an airtight container and in a cupboard, out of direct sunlight, will help to maintain its freshness.
Depending on the freshness of your herbs and spices, this blend will keep well for 3 to 6 months. Shake well before each use.
Avoid storing seasoning blends in the fridge, it can dull the flavors of the spices.
FAQs
You will likely have all of the spices in your pantry, so instead of going out and buying a salmon seasoning packet, you can make your own at home. This also allows you to adapt the flavors, adding only those which you enjoy.
Yes, as most seasoning packets contain preservatives and additives, making your own seasoning is a lot healthier. You can also control the amount of salt and sugar you add to the mix.
Yes, absolutely. You could use this seasoning rub with other fish, try it with tuna or white fish. It would also work well with white meats like chicken or turkey. You could also try it with a mixture of vegetables, tossing the veggies in oil and seasoning before roasting.
Looking for more homemade seasoning recipes? Try these out:
- Homemade Fajitas Seasoning
- Hamburger Seasoning
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
If you have tried this salmon seasoning recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Salmon Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp course black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, coarse black pepper, onion powder, paprika, ground mustard powder, and ground cumin.
- Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Once blended, the seasoning is ready to be applied generously onto salmon.
Notes
- You can cook the salmon immediately or allow it to marinate for about 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- The seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Shake well before each use.
- I suggest using 2 tablespoons of this seasoning mix per pound of salmon. If you prefer a lighter seasoning, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust according to taste.
- I use coarse black pepper in this seasoning mix but feel free to use ground black pepper. I find the presentation is better with the coarse seasoning.
Shirley
Thursday 16th of November 2023
Made your salmon seasoning and it is a delicious addition to my salmon dish. I have salmon three times a week, one air fried, one baked, one in foil. Since making your seasoning it's the only one I've been using.Thank you.
Tanya
Friday 17th of November 2023
Thank you, Shirley! I love that you like the seasoning. It's a staple in our house too.