This is the Best Seasoning for Salmon, because it comes from a salmon cooking expert. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, herby and tangy, and works for any cooking method.

A black bowl filled with seasoning for salmon with a spoon in it.

The Only Salmon Seasoning You’ll Ever Need

When it comes to seasoning salmon, it’s time to go beyond salt and pepper. With years of developing salmon recipes that now show up at the top of Google, like Salmon Pasta and Salmon Patties with Canned Salmon, I have some experience in this area.

After experimenting with different blends, I’ve developed a salmon seasoning recipe that consistently delivers exceptional results.

This salmon rub recipe enhances the natural richness of the salmon and is perfect for a wide range of cooking methods.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Rub Recipe

  • It has expertly balanced flavor, thanks to years of testing and refining. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, herby and tangy.
  • It’s perfect for any cooking method, so you can use it for grilling, baking in the oven, air fryer salmon, pan-frying, or any other way you want to cook salmon.
  • Made with simple ingredients that are all pantry staples. No fresh herbs needed.
Bowls filled with dried herbs and spices on a wooden cutting board.

Salmon Rub Ingredients

  • garlic powder – infuses the fish with savory depth of flavor. Onion powder also works in a pinch.
  • kosher salt – essential for making ANY food taste its best.
  • light brown sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust when the salmon is cooked.
  • paprika – provides a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the rich salmon. You can also use smoked paprika for a more robust smoky flavor.
  • dried dill – a natural flavor pairing for salmon.
  • dried thyme – adds an earthy, herbaceous note to the mix.
  • dry mustard powder – adds a gently tang and subtle heat.
  • ground black pepper – adds a hint of heat that enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Seasoning for Salmon

A glass bowl with a whisk stirring together a spice rub.

1. STIR. Yep, you guessed it – measure all of the ingredients, put them in a small dish, and stir them up with a whisk or fork. Or even easier – put them in a jar and shake them up!

A black bowl filled with the best seasoning for salmon with a spoon in it.

How to Use This Salmon Rub Recipe

Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, and then sprinkle this rub generously over the fish, using your fingers to press it into the flesh.

From there, there are so many ways you can cook your salmon. Use the cooking instructions in the following posts, adding the salmon rub to the recipe where appropriate. Rub it on the fish after any marinades.

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Pieces of raw fish crusted in salmon rub.

Salmon Seasoning Recipe Home Chef Tips

  • If you prefer a spicier rub, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • This rub isn’t just for salmon – feel free to try it on chicken, shrimp or roasted vegetables for a flavorful kick!

Best Salmon Seasoning Storage

This salmon seasoning recipe can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It can last up to six months, but for best flavor, try to use it within three to four months.

A rimmed baking pan with two pieces of raw fish and a bowl of a salmon seasoning recipe.
A black bowl filled with seasoning for salmon with a spoon in it.

Best Salmon Seasoning

This is the Best Seasoning for Salmon, because it comes from a salmon cooking expert. It's the perfect blend of savory, sweet, herby and tangy, and works for any cooking method.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In small bowl, stir together all ingredients.
  • Store at room temperature, in airtight container, for up to 6 months.
Serving: 1teaspoon, Calories: 7kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 350mg, Potassium: 24mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 181IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.3mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Leave a Review below or share a photo and tag me on Instagram @foxeslovelemons with the hashtag #foxeslovelemons.