Yes, You Can Use Old Bay Seasoning on Salmon – Here’s How

Old Bay seasoning and salmon just seem to go hand-in-hand The zesty blend of herbs and spices gives salmon a flavor boost that takes it to the next level But if you’ve never tried this combo before, you may be wondering – can you use Old Bay seasoning on salmon?

The answer is a definitive yes! Old Bay can transform your salmon from boring to bold and delicious. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using Old Bay seasoning to add spice and excitement to salmon fillets including

• Why Old Bay and Salmon Are a Match Made in Heaven

• How Much Old Bay to Use on Salmon

• The Best Way to Prepare Salmon with Old Bay

• Cooking Methods and Recipes

• Extra Flavor Ideas to Take Your Salmon Up a Notch

• Frequently Asked Questions

So let’s get cooking and unlock the magic of Old Bay seasoning and salmon!

Why Old Bay Seasoning and Salmon Pair So Well

There are a few key reasons why Old Bay seasoning accentuates the flavor of salmon flawlessly:

• Balanced Flavors: Old Bay contains a blend of spices like black pepper, paprika, celery salt, and mustard. These flavors add depth while allowing the salmon flavor to still shine through.

• Briny Kick: Old Bay adds a briny element through seafood seasonings like celery salt. This mirrors the natural ocean flavor of salmon.

• Spicy Touch: The kick and zing from spices like red pepper and mustard powder cuts through the richness of salmon’s fatty flesh.

• Versatile Ingredient: Old Bay can be used in a variety of cooking methods for salmon from baking to grilling to pan searing.

The blend of herbs, spices, and salt in Old Bay truly complement salmon’s richness. The seasoning mix amplifies the best qualities of salmon.

How Much Old Bay Should You Use on Salmon?

When it comes to the amount of Old Bay seasoning to use on salmon, moderation is key. Here are some tips:

• Light Coating: For a subtle flavor, use about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon of Old Bay per 4-6 oz salmon fillet.

• Medium Seasoning: For bolder spice, use around 1 teaspoon per fillet.

• Heavy Seasoning: Max out at 1 1⁄2 to 2 teaspoons per fillet if you really love Old Bay flavor.

• Whole Fish: Doubled the stated amounts for a whole non-filleted salmon side.

Sprinkle the Old Bay evenly over all surfaces of the salmon. You can always add more later if needed. Start with less and build up.

Best Practices for Cooking Salmon with Old Bay

To get the most out of the Old Bay and salmon duo, follow these best practices:

• Pat Salmon Dry: Make sure fillets are patted dry before seasoning so the Old Bay sticks and crusts nicely.

• Directly Season Flesh: Sprinkle Old Bay right onto the salmon flesh for maximum flavor infusion.

• Optional Oil or Butter: Lightly brush salmon with olive oil, butter, or cooking spray so Old Bay forms a tasty crust.

• Flip Halfway: When pan searing or baking, flip salmon halfway through cooking to season and crisp both sides.

• Get Char: If grilling, let the Old Bay coated salmon get nice grill marks and char for caramelized flavor.

• Flake Test: Check for doneness by flaking salmon with a fork once opaque in center.

Following these tips will help the Old Bay become one with the salmon for the best texture and taste.

Cooking Methods and Recipes for Old Bay Salmon

One of the best aspects of using Old Bay on salmon is how versatile this flavor combination is across cooking methods. Here are some top ways to enjoy Old Bay salmon:

Baked Old Bay Salmon

Baking is one of the easiest hands-off ways to cook salmon with an Old Bay crust. Simply sprinkle Old Bay over oiled fillets and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness.

Pan Seared Old Bay Salmon

Get nice caramelization on salmon fillets by pan searing over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side after an Old Bay seasoning.

Grilled Old Bay Salmon

Grilling salmon coated in Old Bay gives great char flavor. Grill over direct medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Broiled Old Bay Salmon

For fast cooking and flavor, position salmon fillets coated with Old Bay seasoning 6 inches under the broiler for 6-8 minutes.

Air Fried Old Bay Salmon

Air frying allows you to get crispy Old Bay coated salmon without the mess and oil of deep frying. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Poached Old Bay Salmon

Poach seasoned salmon fillets or a whole side in broth, wine, or a water/vinegar mixture for tender, flaky salmon.

Cajun Blackened Old Bay Salmon

For next level flavor, coat salmon in a sticky mixture of melted butter, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon before searing in a cast iron skillet.

Mix up your salmon routine by utilizing different cooking preparations while letting the Old Bay shine through.

Extra Flavor Ideas for Old Bay Salmon

Don’t stop at just Old Bay! Consider mixing in these extra flavor ingredients:

• Fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice and zest
• Minced garlic or onion
• Chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro
• Spicy pepper flakes or cayenne powder
• Sweet glazes like honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup
• Toasted sesame seeds or crushed pecans
• Soy sauce, teriyaki, or hoisin sauce
• Hot sauce or Cajun seasoning
• Compound lemon-herb butter

The options for jazzing up basic Old Bay salmon are endless. Get creative with extra flavors that complement the Old Bay spice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Bay and Salmon

If it’s your first time using Old Bay on salmon, chances are you have a few questions. Here are some common FAQs:

Is Old Bay good on cooked salmon?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle Old Bay on hot cooked salmon just before serving for extra zing.

Can I use the lower sodium Old Bay?

Yes, the 30% less sodium Old Bay works wonderfully on salmon too.

What if I don’t have Old Bay for salmon?

Substitute with a lemon-pepper or Cajun seasoning blend in a similar ratio.

Should I put Old Bay on salmon before or after cooking?

For best results, coat the raw salmon with Old Bay before cooking to help form a crust.

How long does Old Bay salmon last in the fridge?

Leftover cooked Old Bay salmon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated.

Can I use Old Bay on smoked salmon?

Absolutely! Old Bay can provide the perfect counterpoint to rich smoked salmon.

Have any other questions about enjoying this dynamic duo? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Time to Make Some Magic with Old Bay and Salmon

As you can see, Old Bay and salmon are the perfect match. With the right technique and cooking method, you can create restaurant-worthy salmon easily at home with the help of this iconic seasoning blend.

So break out the Old Bay and fire up your oven, skillet, or grill for tender, flaky, and crazy flavorful salmon. Just be prepared for demands for second helpings! Enjoy bringing out the best in salmon with Old Bay.

Frequency of Entities:
Old Bay – 22
salmon – 55
seasoning – 7
fillets – 7
spices – 2