Sweet & Smoky Salmon Seasoning
On December 26, 2023 (Updated January 04, 2024)
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My homemade Salmon Seasoning is legendary. It is a delicious blend of sweet and savory with a smoky kick to perfectly complement salmon’s light flavor and texture.
Best Seasoning for Salmon
I’ve tried several variations of seasonings, rubs, and marinades for salmon. We’ve enjoyed them all. However, the one recipe we come back to over and over again is this salmon seasoning. There truly is a magical balance of flavors (some of them unexpected) that seems like it was tailor-made for salmon recipes. And because you’re making it at home, you avoid those additives and preservatives you get with store-bought seasonings.
This particular spice blend was made on a whim one Sunday afternoon when people were hungry and the grill was already preheated. Luckily, our guests didn’t question me throwing brown sugar, dried basil, and lime zest together. While the combination may not sound like a great match, the finished result was absolutely stunning.
Ingredients for Salmon Seasoning
Here’s everything you’ll need handy to make this salmon seasoning. The good news is you likely have most or all of the ingredients on hand in your pantry or cupboard already.
- Brown sugar. This is going to add a much desired layer of sweetness to your fish, and a nice texture to your final product.
- Black pepper. I highly recommend cracking some fresh pepper when it’s time to blend your seasoning.
- Sea salt. You want to use a course ground for this recipe. You can also use Kosher salt.
- Dried basil. I’m the first to tell you to use fresh herbs whenever possible, but I recommend dried basil so your seasoning will keep longer.
- Garlic powder. This is going to highlight and add to the natural savory flavor of your salmon.
- Smoked paprika. Along with the actual smoke from your grill, this is how you add that yummy, smoky flavor to your salmon. And unlike the smoke, you can adjust the level to your preference.
- Lime zest. If you’ll be using the seasoning right away, save the lime to squeeze some fresh juice on your finished salmon.
Ways to Use This Seasoning
You might think from the name that this seasoning is only good with salmon, but trust me, it’s great on all sorts of things. It not only pairs great with seafood and veggies, but also proteins, such as chicken, beef, and pork. You can even sprinkle it on fresh popcorn for a tasty treat. Just keep in mind there is brown sugar in this recipe. Because of that I recommend cooking whatever you use it on over indirect heat.
How long does it stay good?
This salmon seasoning stores easily, so you can make it in advance so you have it ready to go when you’re in the mood for salmon. Simply place your mixed seasoning in a glass spice jar, and just like that you’ve got a go-to salmon seasoning for your spice rack. It will remain fresh in your cupboard this way for up to 6 months. It will still be safe to use after that, but will lose some of its zest. At that point, I’d go ahead and mix a new batch.
Grilled Salmon Seasoning
Almost every time we are preparing salmon, we are cooking it outside on our grill. Due to the sugar content in this seasoning, it is best cooked over indirect heat, meaning no flame or coals directly under the salmon. You don’t want that brown sugar to burn before the salmon finishes cooking. (If you need a refresher on cooking with indirect heat, check out my post for How to Cook with Two Zone Grilling.)
I prefer cooking mine on my Camp Chef pellet grill because I get a little extra kiss of smoky flavor that complements this rub perfectly. If you’re cooking on gas or charcoal, simply set up your coals on one half of the grill or only turn on half of your burners. This seasoning also works great for baking your salmon in the oven, just make sure to line a baking sheet with some parchment paper for easy clean up.
Once you have your salmon fillets seasoned, grill or bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Salmon should be cooked until the internal temperature reads 145 degrees F. The fish should be tender and just starting to flake apart with a fork.
How to Make Salmon Seasoning
This recipe is super easy to prepare. You just need a small bowl and a whisk or fork, and you’re ready to blend the best salmon seasoning you’ll ever have.
- Blend seasoning. In a small bowl, add all of the ingredients for your seasoning and blend them together with a whisk or fork. You want to be sure and break up any clumped ingredients so your blend is even and smooth.
- Enjoy. That’s all there is to it. You can use it right away and get some salmon sizzling on the grill, or place it in a glass spice jar and add it to your spice rack for later use. Pull it out any time you’re ready to make fish, vegetables, or anything else that needs a kick of flavor.
More Flavorful Seasonings
You don’t have to stop at salmon now that you know how easy it is to make your own seasoning. Check out some more of my signature Hey Grill Hey seasoning recipes you can make at home.
- Cajun Seasoning
- Chipotle Seasoning
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Mesquite Seasoning
Salmon Seasoning Recipe
Now that you’re a seasoned veteran, be sure to check out the Hey Grill Hey app for even more amazing seasonings and sauces, as well as over 500 other delicious recipes to feed the people you love.
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Sweet and Smoky Salmon Seasoning
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Make the salmon seasoning. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, using a fork or whisk to break up any clumps from the brown sugar. Sprinkle liberally on salmon. One batch will season an entire 2 pound salmon filet. Use immediately.2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon coarse ground sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, zest of 1 lime
- Reserve the zested lime. Bonus advice, reserve the lime you zested for the seasoning and squeeze the juice over the seasoned salmon while you are grilling or roasting it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**This post was originally published in August 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
Can we save this in a jar if we just omit the lime zest until using?
Yes!
Followed the directions on the video, smoked the salmon on my Rectec 700 using apple wood pellets. Wow!!! It came out beautiful and tasted incredible. I love all of your recipes and your straight no nonsense way of explaining. Followed your recipe and guidance for my first smoked brisket and it too came out PERFECT!!
Super simple and delicious! I used 1T of brown sugar instead of 2 as we’re sensitive to sweet things and it was perfect for our palates. I also used oregano instead of basil as I didn’t have any and it worked! I think next time I’ll try using smoked salt too. Thank you!
Just made this, was fantastic! My kids couldn’t get enough of it, especially the skin. They thought it was the best thing they’d ever tasted.
In the video you mentioned a smoking temp of 275, but all the instructions and replies you have made say 375, just wonder what is the correct temp? (Will also be using a Camp Chef smoker)
Thanks
Follow the video!
Palm sugar is a good sub for brown.
This was delicious. Perfect flavor for salmon
This rub was absolutely delicious! I left out the lime zest because I didn’t have any on hand and sprayed the salmon with olive oil before putting on the rub. I baked salmon at 425 for 20 minutes. It turned out perfect – have never had salmon this good even in a restaurant!
Thank you! We used your recipe tonight,smoked on our Traeger!! Our family loved it.
What smoke setting do you use on the camp chef? I just got mine, this recipe will be it’s maiden cook!
Crank it all the way up!