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This magic salmon seasoning blend transforms any salmon into super flavorful fish in minutes. Made with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and savory spices, it works for grilled, baked, or pan-seared salmon.
Want to make your salmon taste incredible? Try my magic salmon seasoning! I call it magic because it really does turn a piece of bland fish into something incredible.
This works with any type of salmon and is a perfectly balanced spice blend that brings out the fish’s natural richness. Once I stumbled upon this mix of flavors, I stopped using any other seasoning recipe. All you need is a jar of this seasoning for salmon and you’re good to go whether you grill it, bake it, or pan fry it!
Why This Is the Best Salmon Seasoning
I promise, everyone will notice when you use this salmon seasoning! Over the years, I’ve gotten so many compliments on this recipe.
When creating it, I took inspiration from Old Bay seasoning, which is legendary for seafood, and combined it with ingredients from my favorite blackened seasoning. The result is a blend that tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, using spices that are already in your pantry!
The secret weapon here is smoked paprika. This Spanish spice adds a subtle smoky depth and it’s worth seeking out. Every time I add it to my seasoning blends, people notice!
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This seasoning is amazing!! I added approx 2 tbsp soft brown sugar too as we like our salmon slightly sweet and it was perfect. The best salmon I’ve had in a long while.” -Shelly E.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this salmon seasoning blend, in addition to kosher salt:
- Smoked paprika: This is a Spanish version of paprika 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. It might be labeled as pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory, aromatic notes that complement fish well.
- Onion powder: Adds complexity without overpowering.
- Thyme: A classic herb for seafood that adds subtle earthy notes.
- Celery seed: This is the secret ingredient from Old Bay that ties everything together.
- Cumin: Adds warmth and a hint of earthiness.
- Allspice: This also adds background warmth (the secret ingredient from blackened seasoning).
How to Season Salmon Perfectly
The ratio matters here. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning for every ½ pound of salmon. This gives you full coverage without making the fish taste overwhelmingly seasoned.
- For grilled salmon or pan-seared salmon: Pat 1 pound fish completely dry with paper towels (this helps it develop a nice crust). Rub it with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend.
- For baked salmon: Place 1 pound salmon on oiled foil on a baking sheet. Pat it dry, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons, and bake.
Storage and Shelf Life
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 Salmon Seasoning Ideas
If you want to branch out from this blend, here are my other favorite ways to season salmon:
- Cajun style: Use Cajun seasoning for spicy heat or blackened seasoning for a milder kick.
- Honey garlic: Add this honey garlic sauce to make honey garlic salmon.
- Asian-inspired: Brush with teriyaki sauce or miso glaze.
- Mediterranean: Try lemon dill sauce for bright, herby flavor, or make salmon with capers.
For even more inspiration, check out my guide to the best sauces for salmon
Dietary Notes
This salmon seasoning recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the flavor will be less complex. Smoked paprika adds a distinctive smoky depth that regular paprika can’t match. If you use sweet paprika, consider adding a tiny pinch of liquid smoke to your salmon before seasoning.
Absolutely! I recommend making a double or triple batch and storing it in an airtight jar. It keeps for 6-12 months and makes weeknight cooking so much faster.
Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it very dry before applying the seasoning. Excess moisture prevents the spices from adhering properly and keeps the fish from developing a nice crust.
No, this blend is savory and smoky but not hot. There’s no chili powder or cayenne, so it’s family-friendly and works for people who don’t enjoy spicy food.
Magic Salmon Seasoning
Let this tasty salmon seasoning work its magic on your fillets! This blend makes the fish taste incredible whether it’s baked, pan seared or grilled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 6 tablespoons 1x
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store for 6 months to 1 year in a cool, dry place. How to season salmon: Use 1 tablespoon salmon seasoning for every ½ pound (8 ounces) of salmon.
- For grilled salmon: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450F). Pat 1 pound fish completely dry with paper towels. Rub it with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend. Grill the salmon skin side up for 3 to 5 minutes (where the flames aren’t directly touching the fish), until grill marks appear and it releases from the grates. Flip and cook another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until flaky and just pink at the thickest portion and the internal temperature is 125 to 130 degrees.
- For pan-seared salmon: Pat 1 pound fish completely dry with paper towels. Rub it with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend. Go to pan-seared salmon for cooking instructions.
- For baked salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 1 pound salmon on oiled foil on a baking sheet. Pat it dry, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 tablespoons seasoning. Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125°F to 130°F in the center).
Notes
Sweet variation: Add ½ to 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a sweet and savory variation.
Other Seasoning Blends To Try
- Mexican: Fajita seasoning, taco seasoning, and fish taco seasoning
- Mediterranean: Greek seasoning, Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence
- American: Old Bay seasoning, chili seasoning, Everything Bagel seasoning, ranch seasoning
- All Purpose: Seasoned salt
This seasoning is amazing!! I added approx 2 tbsp soft brown sugar too as we like our salmon slightly sweet and it was perfect. The best salmon I’ve had in a long while.
Loved this seasoning mix! I am new to making salmon. I whipped it up for my son and I .(he is 10 and he loved it!!!)
Thank you!!