Easy Salmon Seasoning Recipe

Name: Easy Salmon Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.

This salmon seasoning blend is the easiest way to elevate your salmon fillets. Using simple pantry staples, they will taste like they came from a restaurant!

salmon seasoning stirred in a glass bowl.

Whether you plan to bake, grill, or air fry your salmon fillets, this quick spice rub will make your life easier. All you need is five simple ingredients!

This homemade spice blend can also be used on other proteins, like chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, ground black pepper, and a touch of sugar make a magical salmon seasoning. The sweet, salty, and smoky flavor will make your salmon taste irresistible.

I keep coconut sugar in my pantry, so that’s what I’m using today. But brown sugar or white sugar will also work. (Or, drizzle a little honey over the salmon before adding the dry spice rub.)

jars of smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and coconut sugar.

How to Make the Best Salmon Seasoning

This homemade salmon seasoning will season 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of salmon. This is about four salmon fillets that are 4 to 6 ounces in size.

In a small bowl, combine:

3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons coconut sugar

Stir the spices together, and your salmon seasoning is ready to use. If you want a big batch ready to go, you can double or triple this recipe and store the spice blend in a jar.

I prefer to whip this up batch by batch so I don’t have to store an extra jar.

smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and pepper stirred together in a small glass bowl near salmon.

Want to see it in action?

Check out my Air Fryer Salmon Bites or Baked Salmon recipes, which use this spice rub.

To use this easy salmon seasoning, preheat your oven to 400ºF and arrange the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined pan. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub it evenly over the top and sides. Then sprinkle this spice blend generously over each fillet.

Season the top and sides for maximum flavor.

salmon seasoned with the spice rub on a parchment lined pan.

To bake the salmon, bake at 400ºF for 12 to 15 minutes. The FDA recommends baking salmon to an internal temperature of 145ºF, but I prefer removing the salmon from the oven at 130ºF. It will continue to cook as it rests on the pan for another 5 minutes.

Serve warm with any garnishes you like, such as fresh parsley.

close up of baked salmon fillets on a pan with parsley on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flavors go well on salmon?

Salmon tastes amazing with a sweet and smoky flavor, like this spice rub. If you want a sugar-free alternative, try seasoning it with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. (A touch of garlic powder is also good!)

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can use sweet paprika instead, but the flavor is much milder that way. (It won’t taste like it came from a restaurant, in that case.)

What is salmon usually served with?

Salmon pairs well with quinoa pilaf, my favorite pear salad, or Kale Feta Salad. But you can also serve it over any salad or with cooked rice and roasted veggies.