I make salmon at least once a week, and over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of store-bought blends and marinades. But nothing beats this homemade salmon seasoning—it’s just the right balance of savory, smoky, and a touch sweet. It brings out the best in salmon without overpowering it. I keep a small jar of this mix on hand at all times, and it saves dinner on busy weeknights. Whether I’m roasting fillets in the oven, grilling outside, or throwing salmon in the air fryer, this seasoning has become my go-to. It’s quick to stir together with pantry spices and tastes way better than anything prepackaged.
Easy Salmon Seasoning Recipe
I love making big batches of homemade seasonings and keeping them in mason jars in my pantry—it makes weeknight cooking so much easier. This salmon seasoning is a favorite, right alongside my go-to chicken seasoning. It comes together in under five minutes with pantry staples like garlic powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and thyme, and has that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. I’ve used it on everything from thick wild salmon fillets to thinner farm-raised cuts, and it never disappoints. Whether I’m roasting salmon on a sheet pan or firing up the grill, this blend adds bold, delicious flavor with zero fuss. I always double or triple the batch so it’s ready whenever I need it.
Salmon Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a dish.1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
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Sprinkle the seasoning over your salmon before cooking. Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of salmon.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the blend sticks better.
- Add a light rub of oil if you’re grilling to prevent the fish from sticking.
- For extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Want it sugar-free? Simply leave out the brown sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener.
Nutrition
How to Make Salmon Seasoning Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp brown sugar, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, and ½ tsp pepper until well combined.
Use the seasoning: Sprinkle 1 tbsp of the seasoning per pound of salmon before cooking. Press gently into the fish for the best flavor.
Store and enjoy: Make extra to keep in a mason jar in the pantry. Enjoy!
How to Store Salmon Seasoning
Store any leftover seasoning in a small airtight jar or spice container and keep it in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, but for the best flavor, try to use it within 6 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This seasoning is my go-to for grilled, air-fried, or pan-seared salmon—it adds bold flavor no matter how you cook it. I love serving it with roasted veggies, fluffy basmati rice, or a crisp Caesar salad to keep things simple but satisfying. For an extra pop, I’ll sometimes drizzle a little honey or fresh lemon juice over the top right after cooking. It’s such an easy way to elevate the whole dish. You can also use this seasoning on other proteins like tilapia, haddock, shrimp, or even chicken.
More seasonings to batch and store
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