How to season salmon

Salmon is a favourite for many, not just for its health benefits like protein and omega-3 fatty acids but also because it’s delicious! If you’re looking to jazz up your salmon dishes but unsure where to start with seasonings, we’re here to help! Read on for a straightforward guide on how to season salmon, whether you’re grilling, baking or pan-frying.

We’ll show you which herbs and spices go best with salmon, as well as some of our favourite salmon recipes from our recipe collection. Our spice blends will help you save time and effort while making every dish just so tasty!

Which herbs & spices go best with salmon?

As we’ve already mentioned, salmon is a very versatile fish and can be seasoned with many different types of spices. Even just a dash of salt and pepper brings out its natural flavours beautifully. However, there are certain combinations of spices that will take your salmon to the next level. Whether you prefer it spicy, mild or rich in herbs, and as a marinade, dry rub or table sprinkle, the choice is yours to tailor the flavour profile to your taste.

To help make the decision easier for you, we’ve picked out some of the most popular types of seasonings:

BASIC SALMON SEASONING

Let’s start off with the traditional. The most common way to season salmon is with lemon, garlic and salt. These ingredients will brighten the natural flavour of salmon, cutting through the somewhat fatty mouthfeel. To take it up a notch, you need our Salmon Seasoning, which includes these ingredients, as well as dill, fennel and mustard seed – along with a flash of chilli. You can use the salmon seasoning as a dry rub for the fillets – sprinkle over your fish about half an hour before cooking to give the flavours time to meld. Alternatively, mix with a little olive oil and marinade for the same amount of time. This one seasoning mix gives you delicious flavours in a flash!

MEDITERRANEAN SEASONING FOR SALMON

Missing that holiday feeling? A Mediterranean seasoning mix such as our Mediterranean Vegetable Allrounder will transport you back to those long, sunny nights by the sea. Here, fresh herbs like thyme and marjoram make the base. Add olive oil, lemon juice and some garlic for a tasty marinade!

ASIAN SEASONING FOR SALMON

If you’re after a salmon that’s both spicy and sweet with a sticky finish, Asian-inspired seasonings are the way to go. Common spices include paprika, chilli, ginger and garlic, adding a punch of flavour. A standout in Asian cooking is teriyaki sauce, combining soy sauce, rice wine (mirin) and brown sugar for a delicious glaze. Alternatively, a honey and soy sauce marinade offers the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Just mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and our Thai Allrounder. Once you’ve tasted this marinade on your salmon, there’s no turning back!

HOT AND SPICY SALMON SEASONING

Are you into hot and spicy seasoning for your salmon? Then a combination of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, smoked salt and cumin will give your salmon the smoky and earthy aroma you’re looking for. For an extra spicy kick, you should try our Extra Spicy Seasoning. But be warned – few people can handle the heat! Can you?

How long should you marinate salmon?

When marinating salmon, it’s worth noting that it’s not quite the same as marinating meat. Salmon’s surface is quite sensitive to acids, so go easy on the lemon juice. If your marinade includes these acidic ingredients, aim to keep the marinating time under 30 minutes. This way, you’ll avoid drying out the fish, ensuring it stays moist and tender.

Best salmon recipes

Now it’s time to show us what you’ve learned about seasoning salmon! Grilled, baked or pan-fried – you decide! For some more inspiration, we have picked out some of our favourite recipes for all kinds of salmon dishes:

Best spice blends for salmon

To guarantee lots of flavour and make cooking easier for you, we’ve created special spice mixes that include all the different spices you need in just one go. Here are some of our spice blends that make every salmon dish taste delicious:

Find the right spice mix for you

Now you’re all clued up on how to season salmon! If you’re eager to try new flavours in the kitchen but aren’t quite sure which of our spice mixes to go for, our product finder is here to help. It’s a quick and easy way to discover which seasonings match your taste preferences and dietary needs in just a couple of minutes. Give it a go and find your perfect seasoning match!