This “magic” salmon seasoning makes it taste incredible! Bake, pan fry or grill a fillet with this spice blend and everyone will love it.

Want to make your salmon taste like a restaurant? Try this magic salmon seasoning! This spice blend works with any type of salmon and to bring out the best savory flavor. When Alex and I stumbled upon this incredible spice blend, we stopped using any other recipe for this fish. Yep, all you need is a jar of this salmon seasoning and you’re good to go! Grill it, bake it, or pan fry it, and this seasoning impresses everyone every time. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients in salmon seasoning

The secret spices in this salmon seasoning are inspired by a few things. First off: Old Bay! It’s a popular seasoning for seafood and we wanted to bring in some of those notes. Alex and I also took inspiration from our blackened seasoning, also used often for salmon. We came up with a blend that uses the best of all of them, but without the heat (for flexibility). To make this blend, simply mix together the following ingredients in a clean jar:

Smoked paprika* or sweet paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Thyme
Celery seed
Cumin
Allspice
Salt

How to season salmon using this spice blend

Here’s the important part! Once you’ve got your salmon seasoning mixed up, how do you season salmon? Here’s the magic ratio to use, and a few tips for whether you’re making grilled or baked salmon:

Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon spice blend for every ½ pound of salmon.
Grilled salmon or Pan seared salmon: Pat 1 pound salmon dry with a clean towel. Rub it with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons seasoning blend.
Baked salmon: Pat 1 pound salmon dry and place it on oiled foil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons seasoning blend.

*More about smoked paprika

Use smoked paprika if you can find it for this salmon seasoning! It adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s irresistible (though you can substitute sweet paprika if that’s all you can find). Smoked paprika is a Spanish version of paprika that is made with peppers that are smoked over a fire. You can find it in the spice aisle in most grocery stores; it’s also available online here. It might be labeled as pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika.

How long to store salmon seasoning

You can store your homemade salmon seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Of course, it’s best when it’s the freshest! Spices generally last in a cool, dry place for 8 months to 1 year. You can use this spice blend to add new life to spices that you’ve had for a while.

More ways to season salmon

There are lots of ways to season salmon! If you want some ideas on how to branch out from this seasoning blend, we’ve got lots of options. Here are our favorite ideas:

Cajun salmon: Try it with Cajun Seasoning (hot) or Blackened Seasoning (mild), to taste.
Mexican style salmon: Use Fajita Seasoning and spritz with lime.
Teriyaki salmon: Paint with the sauce from this Teriyaki Salmon.
Bourbon glazed salmon: Make the glaze from this Bourbon Salmon.
Salmon with capers: Make the caper butter from Salmon with Capers.
Lemon dill sauce: Serve with the sauce from Lemon Dill Salmon.

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.