By Krista Teigen
Published Aug 8, 2025
I make salmon at least once a week, and over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of store-bought blends and marinades. But nothing beats this homemade salmon seasoning—it’s just the right balance of savory, smoky, and a touch sweet. It brings out the best in salmon without overpowering it. I keep a small jar of this mix on hand at all times, and it saves dinner on busy weeknights. Whether I’m roasting fillets in the oven, grilling outside, or throwing salmon in the air fryer, this seasoning has become my go-to. It’s quick to stir together with pantry spices and tastes way better than anything prepackaged.
<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.thecookierookie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1salmon-seasoning-1-7.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A plate of cooked salmon fillet seasoned with a spice blend, served with golden rice and roasted asparagus.
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Easy Salmon Seasoning Recipe
I love making big batches of homemade seasonings and keeping them in mason jars in my pantry—it makes weeknight cooking so much easier. This salmon seasoning is a favorite, right alongside my go-to chicken seasoning . It comes together in under five minutes with pantry staples like garlic powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and thyme, and has that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. I’ve used it on everything from thick wild salmon fillets to thinner farm-raised cuts, and it never disappoints. Whether I’m roasting salmon on a sheet pan or firing up the grill, this blend adds bold, delicious flavor with zero fuss. I always double or triple the batch so it’s ready whenever I need it.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 tablespoon salt
- ▢ 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ▢ 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon thyme
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a dish. 1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Sprinkle the seasoning over your salmon before cooking. Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of salmon.
Becky’s Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the blend sticks better.
- Add a light rub of oil if you’re grilling to prevent the fish from sticking.
- For extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Want it sugar-free? Simply leave out the brown sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Salmon Seasoning Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp brown sugar, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, and ½ tsp pepper until well combined.
Use the seasoning: Sprinkle 1 tbsp of the seasoning per pound of salmon before cooking. Press gently into the fish for the best flavor.
Store and enjoy: Make extra to keep in a mason jar in the pantry. Enjoy!
How to Store Salmon Seasoning
Store any leftover seasoning in a small airtight jar or spice container and keep it in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, but for the best flavor, try to use it within 6 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This seasoning is my go-to for grilled, air-fried, or pan-seared salmon —it adds bold flavor no matter how you cook it. I love serving it in my salmon bowls , or with roasted veggies, fluffy basmati rice , or a crisp Caesar salad to keep things simple but satisfying. For an extra pop, I’ll sometimes drizzle a little honey or fresh lemon juice over the top right after cooking. It’s such an easy way to elevate the whole dish. You can also use this seasoning on other proteins like tilapia, haddock, shrimp, or even chicken.
More seasonings to batch and store
Blackened Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Creole Seasoning
Burger Seasoning
Salmon Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a dish. 1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Sprinkle the seasoning over your salmon before cooking. Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of salmon.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the blend sticks better.
- Add a light rub of oil if you’re grilling to prevent the fish from sticking.
- For extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Want it sugar-free? Simply leave out the brown sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
