A few common pantry spices are mixed together in this easy Salmon Seasoning to make a sweet, smoky, and mild mix that will help you cook seriously delicious salmon any night of the week. Call it kitchen magic!.
Salmon is one of the most versatile fish to cook with. Its rich, fatty texture takes well to a variety of seasonings. The right spices can enhance the natural flavor of salmon without overpowering it. Whether baking grilling pan searing or smoking salmon, a flavorful spice rub or marinade is key.
Certain spices complement salmon’s rich, smooth taste Warm spices like cumin, curry powder and paprika add depth, while herbs like dill, basil and parsley brighten up the fish Spices with some heat also work well to counter salmon’s fattiness.
Here are 12 of the best spices that pair deliciously with salmon:
1. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky-sweet flavor to salmon. It provides rich, roasted notes similar to salmon cooked over an open fire. Just a sprinkle of smoked paprika can make plain salmon pop. It’s excellent in dry rubs, marinades, sauces and more.
2. Black Pepper
You can never go wrong seasoning salmon with freshly cracked black pepper. The pungent, mildly spicy flavor of black pepper balances beautifully with the buttery fattiness of salmon. Grind some coarse pepper over salmon before baking or grilling for simple flavor.
3. Garam Masala
This aromatic Indian spice blend contains warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The complex flavor profile enhances salmon’s richness. Make a quick marinade by mixing garam masala with olive oil, garlic and lemon.
4. Cilantro and Lime
Fresh cilantro and lime juice add vibrance to salmon. Cilantro’s grassy, bright taste counters the fish’s fattiness. The acidity of lime cuts through the richness. Add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime over cooked salmon fillets.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Just a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice up salmon without overpowering it. The heat helps cut through the oils and fats. For a spicy salmon dish, coat fillets with a mixture of brown sugar, chili powder and cayenne before broiling.
6. Cumin
Earthy, nutty cumin is a fantastic pairing with salmon. This popular Indian spice adds warmth and brings out subtle flavors. Make a fast salmon dinner by coating fillets with olive oil, cumin, salt and pepper before baking.
7. Rosemary and Garlic
The combination of woodsy rosemary and pungent garlic adds nice depth to salmon. Saute minced garlic in olive oil, then brush the infused oil over salmon fillets. Sprinkle with dried rosemary before roasting or grilling.
8. Curry Powder
Curry powder blends aromatic spices like coriander, turmeric, ginger and fenugreek, which complement salmon wonderfully. Make a quick curry salmon by stirring curry powder into plain Greek yogurt and coating baked salmon fillets.
9. Dill
No herb complements salmon better than fresh dill. The tangy, grassy flavor balances the fish’s fattiness. Sprinkle chopped dill over poached, baked or grilled salmon just before serving. Dill also shines in creamy sauces and marinades for salmon.
10. Chili Powder
For Southwestern flair, coat salmon with a dry rub of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin and brown sugar before broiling or baking. The blend of spicy, sweet and savory flavors pairs perfectly with the salmon.
11. Mustard Powder
Mustard powder adds a tangy kick to salmon when used sparingly. Make a simple honey mustard glaze for salmon by mixing Dijon mustard, honey and mustard powder. Brush the glaze over salmon fillets before baking.
12. Basil
Bright, mildly sweet basil makes an excellent match for salmon’s richness. Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over grilled or poached salmon. Or make a pesto by blending basil, olive oil, garlic and pine nuts to coat salmon before baking.
The next time you cook up a salmon fillet, try one of these delicious spice combinations. With the right seasonings, you can take this healthy fish from bland to spectacular. Experiment with different spices and find your favorite flavors to pair with salmon.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make Sure Your Spices are Fresh. Check that expiration date and give them a sniff. As soon as they start to smell old or nothing at all, it’s time to get new ones.
- Pat Your Salmon Dry Before Adding the Seasoning. This will help the seasoning stick work better, so every bite has the most flavor possible!
- Wait to Season Until Immediately Before Cooking. If you season salmon ahead of time, the salt will draw out the water, making it impossible to get a nice sear. You can make this Salmon Marinade up to an hour ahead of time if you want to get your salmon ready early.
- Add the Rub Before, Not After. It’s important to season the salmon before heating it because spice rubs change when they come in contact with heat. Like in this recipe, the brown sugar turns into caramel as the salmon cooks, and the spices pop against the oil’s fats and the salmon’s moisture.
- Play Around. It’s okay to change this seasoning to fit what your family likes or what you have on hand. Because of this, you can swap out the allspice for cardamom or cloves. Add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper or ground chipotle pepper for a spicy taste.
- Use About 1 Tablespoon Seasoning per 8 Ounces of Salmon. It’s okay if you use a little more or a little less. Just make sure that the salmon is well-seasoned, and the food will taste great.
What to Serve with Seasoned Salmon
- Whisk. Easily mixes all the spices together.
- Glass Jars. These glass spice jars can be used again and again and are great for dry rubs and homemade seasonings.
- Measuring Spoons. These spoons have magnets that keep them together during storage.
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FAQ
What can I put on salmon to make it taste better?
What pairs nicely with salmon?
What Herb goes well with salmon?
Dill is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with salmon. Its fresh and slightly tangy flavor complements the richness of the fish. Whether you use fresh dill or dried dill, it adds a burst of aromatic flavor to your salmon dishes. Thyme is a versatile herb that works well with many types of fish, including salmon.
Which spices are good for seasoning salmon?
Salmon goes well with almost any spice blend for fish. Two tablespoons of this seasoning are needed for a full 1 ½ pounds of salmon. Be generous with the salt and pepper. The passage suggests using the juice of lemon, lime, or orange as well.
Can fresh herbs be used in salmon seasoning?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in salmon seasoning. For best flavors, use freshly cut herbs and citrus. If you use a stronger herb like rosemary or dill, be more light-handed on the herbs. This sweet and savory salmon seasoning can be made up to 2-3 days before you plan to use it.
What spice complements salmon well?
Horseradish is a good complement to salmon, providing a spiciness that complements the dish. While you can get heat from black pepper and chilies, horseradish offers a unique type of heat from the compound allyl isothiocyanate.