Enhance the Flavor: 12 Seasonings That Go Perfectly with Salmon

Salmon is one of the most versatile fish to cook Its rich, fatty texture can hold up to all kinds of seasonings and preparations. While delicious on its own, the right herbs, spices and rubs can take simple salmon fillets from bland to beautiful

Knowing what seasonings pair best with salmon is key to maximizing this fish’s flavor potential You want to enhance its natural richness, not overwhelm it The seasoning should complement salmon’s sweet, nutty taste, not conceal it.

So what spices should you reach for to bring out the best in salmon? Here are 12 sensational seasonings that will make this healthy fish even more crave-worthy,

1. Lemon Pepper

This classic combo brightens up salmon’s rich fattiness. Freshly ground black pepper adds a little kick, while lemon zest provides a burst of citrus. For an extra punch, add some dried minced lemon peel too. Lemon pepper seasoning beautifully boosts salmon’s flavor without overpowering it.

2. Chili Powder

Give your salmon a touch of heat with chili powder’s punchy blend of spices like garlic, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Use it alone or mix it with zesty lime juice and oil for a simple yet amazing marinade. Chili powder’s warmth plays perfectly off the fish’s oiliness.

3. Old Bay

This legendary crab seasoning also brings delicious depth to salmon. Old Bay’s blend of celery salt, mustard, bay leaves, ginger and paprika give the fish a tangy, savory crust. Use it to coat salmon before broiling or grilling for maximum flavor.

4. Garlic Powder

Don’t be afraid to be generous with the garlic powder when seasoning salmon. Slow-roasting magnifies garlic’s sweetness, complementing salmon’s rich texture. Combine it with olive oil, salt and pepper for an easy oven-baked marinade. For a bolder punch, use minced fresh garlic instead.

5. Curry Powder

Give your salmon an exotic twist by dusting it with fragrant curry powder before cooking. Curry’s warming blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin and fenugreek adds intrigue and depth. It’s especially good paired with coconut milk for an Indian-style curry salmon.

6. Paprika

Whether sweet, smoked or spicy, paprika gives salmon a beautiful color and flavor boost. Use smoked paprika to add a smoldering bacon-like taste. For Mediterranean flair, top grilled salmon with a mixture of sweet paprika, lemon zest, parsley and olive oil.

7. Cajun Seasoning

A Cajun spice blend will take your salmon from the Pacific Northwest to the Louisiana Bayou. Onion, garlic, cayenne, oregano, and thyme make a strong mixture that gives salmon a really strong kick. Try blackened salmon tacos with spicy mayo for an easy weeknight dinner.

8. Italian Seasoning

An Italian-inspired rub plays up salmon’s versatility. A blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage adds instant Mediterranean flavor. Top grilled salmon with Italian seasoning and lemon slices for a quick and easy dinner.

9. Dill

This herb’s clean, grassy flavor beautifully complements salmon’s richness. Mix chopped fresh dill with Greek yogurt, lemon zest and black pepper for an easy sauce. Or brush salmon with olive oil and generously sprinkle with dried dill before broiling.

10. Coriander

Toasted, ground coriander seeds add nutty, citrusy warmth to salmon. Combine with brown sugar and chili powder for a sweet-hot rub, or mix with olive oil, garlic and cumin for a fast marinade. Gentle heat and orange undertones make coriander a perfect salmon match.

11. Fennel Seeds

Licorice-like fennel seeds create an interesting anise flavor when rubbed on salmon. Their sweetness offsets the fish’s oiliness. For pan-seared salmon, coat with crushed fennel seeds, salt and pepper for a quick crust. Or add them to buttery roasted salmon for a more mellow taste.

12. Tarragon

This aromatic herb has a distinct licorice-mint flavor that pairs beautifully with fatty salmon. For a restaurant-worthy dish, coat salmon with Dijon, tarragon and breadcrumbs before baking. Or mix chopped fresh tarragon into a compound butter to melt over grilled or pan-seared fillets.

With so many herbs, spices and seasoning blends to choose from, the flavor possibilities for salmon are endless. Whether your taste runs mild or spicy, citrusy or smoky, there’s a seasoning match made in heaven for this fish. So start experimenting and take your salmon dishes to savory new heights.