Discover how to season your salmon to perfection with our detailed guide.
Packed with good fats and omega acids, easy and quick to cook, and utterly delicious — it’s no surprise salmon is one of the most popular fish to eat. While high-quality salmon always provides the best culinary experience, there are countless ways to enhance your salmon recipes at home. Just keep reading to find out how.
1. Elevate Your Salmon Dish With Rubs
One of the easiest ways to elevate salmon is to use a seasoning rub — a blend of spices mixed with a little olive oil, rubbed over the fish for extra flavor as it cooks. Try these rub recipes:
Sweet and Smoky Salmon Rub
This rub combines rich brown sugar with smoky paprika and a citrusy lime kick.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime zest
Spicy Salmon Rub
If you love heat, try this spicy rub with chili powder, cumin, and a splash of lemon juice while cooking for extra zing.
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp paprika
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
2. Salmon Marinades Offer Flavorful Options
Marinades add deep flavor to salmon — let it sit for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 5 hours.
Honey Mustard Marinade
Sweet honey meets tangy mustard for a balanced, flavorful kick.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Italian Herb Marinade
Perfect with pasta — this marinade bursts with garlic and fresh basil flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sprig fresh basil, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Top Spices for Salmon
If you’re short on time, a single spice can transform your salmon dish.
Smoked Paprika
Sweet, earthy, and smoky — perfect for grilled salmon with veggie skewers or bean stew.
Cilantro & Lime
Cilantro’s fresh citrus flavor pairs beautifully with lime juice. Add lime during cooking for best results. Fresh cilantro garnish elevates the dish even more.
Cayenne Pepper
For extra heat and a vitamin boost, sprinkle cayenne over salmon before grilling or air frying. Serve with rice and a cooling yogurt dip.
Rosemary
This savory herb works well fresh or dried. Add minced garlic, wrap salmon in foil, and bake for juicy, flavorful results served with boiled new potatoes.
4. Enhance Your Seafood With Glazes
Glazes add a delicious coating and extra flavor. Just brush on and cook!
Honey Mustard Glaze
Rich, tangy, sweet, and smoky — irresistible on salmon.
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 50g salted butter
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- 2½ tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Glaze
BBQ flavors pair wonderfully with robust salmon. Try adding soy sauce, hoisin, or even cherry cola for a fun twist.
- 136g honey
- 100g ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp bourbon
- 1 tsp salt
Glazed Teriyaki
Sweet and savory with an Asian twist — perfect served with rice and pickled veggies.
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 5 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
5. Delicious Salmon Seasonings Can Be Simple
Sometimes, the best salmon is the simplest — here are classic favorites:
Black Pepper
Freshly ground peppercorns deliver woody, spicy notes that elevate baked salmon.
Salt & Pepper
Sea salt’s intense taste pairs beautifully with pepper to bring out salmon’s natural flavors.
Lemon
Classic citrus sharpness cuts through salmon’s richness for a refreshing bite. Add juice just before cooking or bake with lemon slices on top.
6. Spice Up Your Salmon Recipe
For a bolder twist, these spices add warmth and depth without overwhelming the fish:
Curry Powder
Any variety works — sprinkle on the skin side before roasting for a crispy, spicy treat.
Garam Masala
A fragrant Indian spice mix adding warm, complex notes. Simply sprinkle on before cooking in a pan, oven, or air fryer.
