What is a Good Seasoning for Salmon? A Guide to Enhancing the Flavor of This Nutritious Fish

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious types of fish. Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals, salmon can be a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. However, salmon’s flavor can differ vastly depending on how it is seasoned and prepared. Finding the right seasoning is key to drawing out salmon’s natural flavor and adding delicious complementary flavors.

In this article we’ll explore what makes a good salmon seasoning, provide seasoning ideas and recipes, and offer salmon cooking tips to end up with irresistibly flavored fish.

Why Season Salmon in the First Place?

Salmon has a naturally rich, fatty and nutty flavor from its high omega-3 content However, the flavor can differ depending on the salmon variety Sockeye salmon has a stronger, more pronounced salmon flavor while king salmon is more buttery and mild. Coho salmon lands somewhere in the middle with medium salmon flavor.

No matter the variety, salmon benefits nicely from added seasoning. Reasons to season salmon include:

• Enhance the existing flavor – Well-chosen herbs, spices and other seasonings complement and bring out the natural taste of salmon without overpowering it.

• Add flavor variety – Seasonings lend nuanced flavors like brightness, smoke, heat and sweetness to keep salmon interesting.

• Prevent drying out – Salt helps salmon hold onto moisture while acidic ingredients like citrus help balance and tenderize.

• Contribute texture – Ingredients like brown sugar and coarse salt or pepper provide texture contrast.

• Complement other ingredients – Matching seasonings to sides, sauces and cooking methods makes the whole meal come together.

Quick and Easy Salmon Seasoning Ideas

You don’t need an elaborate seasoning blend to make salmon taste great. There’s no wrong way to cook salmon with salt, pepper, and olive oil together. Is there anything you’d like to add to make it a little more interesting?

• Lemon Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper and lemon zest or lemon juice
• Basil Pesto – Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan
• Soy Ginger – Soy sauce, minced ginger, sesame oil, garlic
• Cajun – Cajun seasoning blend or paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper
• Lemon Dill – Lemon zest, dried dill, salt and pepper
• Brown Sugar & Chili – Brown sugar, ancho chili powder, lime juice
• Mediterranean – Oregano, garlic, olive oil, lemon

Combine the seasoning ingredients and coat the salmon generously before cooking. Strong flavors go well with salmon, so don’t be afraid to season it a lot.

Best Fresh Herbs for Salmon

Fresh herbs are an easy way to infuse bright, vibrant flavor into salmon. Choosing herbs that complement (rather than overwhelm) the flavor of salmon is key. Here are some of the best fresh herbs for salmon:

Dill – This feathery herb has a grassy flavor and goes especially well with cured salmon, salmon patties or smoked salmon. Use minced dill or place sprigs under the salmon while cooking.

Basil – With its sweet, peppery taste, basil brightens up salmon. It pairs nicely with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil and lemon too. Chop and sprinkle over salmon or purée into a pesto.

Thyme – Lemony thyme adds woodsy notes to salmon. Toss sprigs under salmon while cooking or blend with oil and press onto the fish.

Tarragon – Licorice-y tarragon has a distinct flavor that complements salmon’s fattiness. Use sparingly as the flavor can be strong.

Chives – Offering subtle onion flavor, chives lend a pop of green. Use as a pretty finish, sprinkled over cooked salmon.

Rosemary and oregano also pair well with salmon but go easy on them as they can overpower if added excessively.

3 Easy Salmon Marinades

Marinating salmon before cooking infuses it with lots of added flavor. The acidic marinade also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the salmon cooked perfectly moist. Balance the marinade’s acidity by adding oil or creamy ingredients. These easy salmon marinades can be prepared in a snap:

1. Soy Ginger Marinade

• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add salmon fillets, toss to coat, and marinate 30 minutes to 1 hour. The honey gives this marinade balanced sweetness to pair with the salty soy sauce and bold ginger.

2. Greek Yogurt Dill Marinade

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Stir ingredients together until smooth. Marinate salmon for 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. The yogurt gives this tangy marinade more body that clings nicely to the salmon.

3. Orange Juice and Chipotle Marinade

• 1⁄2 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle chilies
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Whisk together all ingredients. Marinate salmon for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The smoky chipotle pairs nicely with the sweet and acidic orange juice.

3 Easy Dry Salmon Seasoning Rubs

For flavorful crusty salmon, dry seasoning rubs are the way to go. Simply coat the fish with the rub before searing, roasting or grilling. The rub forms a flavorful crust without making the salmon overly wet.

1. Lemon Pepper Dry Rub

• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Stir together all ingredients. Generously coat salmon fillets at least 15 minutes before cooking. The bright lemon pairs nicely with the fresh parsley.

2. Brown Sugar and Chili Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Evenly pat rub onto salmon fillets. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow time for the sugar to caramelize.

3. Coffee Spice Rub

• 1 tablespoon ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon

Thoroughly combine ingredients and evenly coat salmon fillets. The coffee provides subtle smoky, bittersweet flavor notes that pair nicely with the salmon.

Tips for Cooking Perfectly Seasoned Salmon

To get the most out of your seasoning and cook salmon exactly right each time, keep these tips in mind:

• Pat salmon dry – Get rid of excess moisture so the seasoning will stick better. Be extra thorough if marinating.

• Season evenly – Coat all sides of salmon fillets evenly with dry rubs or marinades so flavor is distributed.

• Let marinades soak in – Marinate salmon in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before cooking.

• Let dry rubs sit – Allow at least 10-15 minutes after coating for dry rubs to work their flavoring magic before cooking.

• Cook at a moderate temperature – Cook between 300-400°F if baking and use medium-high heat for pan searing. High heat can burn spices.

• Bake salmon skin-side down – This prevents the thinner skin from overcooking and drying out.

• Sear skin-side up first – Get a nice crust by searing the skin side in a pan before flipping to finish cooking.

• Brush with oil or glaze while cooking – Helps form a caramelized crust and keep salmon moist.

Go Beyond Salmon Seasoning

Salmon offers incredible versatility when it comes to cooking applications and flavor pairings. Don’t limit yourself to just basic seasoning – get creative! Consider rubbing salmon with pesto or herb butters before grilling or baking. Coat with teriyaki or sticky glazes near the end of cooking. Serve salmon sprinkled with fresh salsa, gremolata or tropical fruit salsa for extra flavor.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning and preparing salmon. Hopefully these tips provide inspiration to go beyon