What Spices Go with Salmon? (12 Spices)

Salmon is a delicious, healthy, and versatile fish that can be cooked in so many different ways.

But one thing that always makes salmon even better is adding the perfect spice blend.

The right spices can take your salmon from good to great, and I’m sharing 12 of the best spices to use with salmon.

Whether you are looking for a simple spice blend to sprinkle on your salmon before cooking, or want to try something new and adventurous, these spice blends will not disappoint.

So if you are wondering what spices go well with salmon, then you are in the right place.

What Spices Go with Salmon?

There are many spices that go well with salmon. Some popular options include dill, rosemary, thyme, basil, and tarragon. You can also experiment with different spice combinations to find what you like best. Another option is to simply season your salmon with salt and pepper and let the natural flavors of the fish shine through.

Salmon is a mild-flavored fish with a rich and slightly oily taste.

This means that many spices work well with it, but it is important to choose ones that will complement the fish’s flavor and not mask it.

Here are 12 spices that go well with salmon:

1. Cumin

Rich and hearty, earthy and warm, cumin is the perfect spice to complement salmon’s delicate flavor.

Cumin can be used in a number of different ways with salmon.

Try it smoked, in a rub, or even in a simple pan-seared dish.

No matter how you use it, cumin will add an extra depth of flavor that takes your salmon from good to great.

2. Paprika

The taste of paprika can vary from mild and sweet to smoky and hot, so choose the type of paprika that you like best.

I personally prefer the smoky variety because it pairs so well with salmon.

You can use paprika in a dry rub, mix it into a marinade, or sprinkle it on top of cooked salmon.

No matter how you use it, paprika will give your salmon a beautiful color and a little bit of extra flavor.

3. Turmeric

Flavor-wise, turmeric is overwhelmingly earthy and bitter with hints of citrus and ginger.

It’s often used in Indian curries and rice dishes, but it can be used in other cuisines as well.

Try using it to flavor roasted vegetables, grilled salmon, or even in a homemade vinaigrette.

For a quick and easy recipe, try this:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon filet
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine turmeric, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Rub the mixture all over the salmon filet.
4. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Enjoy!

4. Garlic powder

The flavor is garlicky but vastly different than fresh garlic.

It’s more intense and sharp, making it perfect for when you want to really taste the garlic in a dish.

Salmon is a delicate fish, so you don’t want to overwhelm it with too much garlic flavor.

A little goes a long way with this spice, so start with a quarter teaspoon and work your way up from there.

You can use garlic powder in all sorts of recipes, not just salmon dishes.

Try it in roasted vegetables, on popcorn, or even in homemade ranch dressing.

5. Onion Powder

Onion powder is quite a bit more onion-y than an actual onion, so use it sparingly.

A little goes a long way when it comes to onion powder, and you don’t want your salmon to taste like onion soup.

Salmon is a delicate fish, so it’s best to keep the seasonings simple.

I like to use a little onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper on my salmon.

You could also try using onion powder in a rub for grilled salmon, or in a glaze for baked salmon.

Get creative and see what you can come up with!

6. Chili Powder

If you prefer your food on the spicy side, then chili powder is the perfect spice for salmon.

Just a sprinkle will give your salmon a kick, so be careful not to go overboard.

You can also use chili powder to make a delicious chili-lime salmon: simply coat your salmon with chili powder and lime juice, and bake in the oven until cooked through.

Yum!

7. Dried Oregano

Dried oregano has a strong spicy taste with sweet and sour undertones.

It’s a common spice in Mediterranean cuisine, and it goes especially well with salmon.

You can use it to make a simple oregano-lemon salmon recipe by rubbing the oregano on the salmon fillets and then squeezing fresh lemon juice over them.

Bake the salmon in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Another great way to use oregano is to make an herbed breadcrumb topping for baked salmon.

Combine 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon dried oregano and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Spread the mixture over the top of the salmon fillets and bake as directed.

8. Dried Thyme

Thyme has a sharp, earthy, and somewhat minty flavor that goes well with salmon.

It’s also a great spice for poultry and pork dishes.

To use thyme with salmon, try this simple recipe:

• 1 pound salmon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the salmon.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the salmon to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the salmon to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Enjoy!

9. Dried Basil

Dried basil tastes more like mint than fresh basil, making it a great choice for salmon.

Just a pinch or two of dried basil will give your salmon a nice flavor without overwhelming it.

If you want a stronger flavor, you can always add more, but it’s best to start with a little and then add more to taste.

10. Dried Parsley

Dried parsley only slightly resembles the real taste of fresh parsley, but it’s still a great way to add some flavor to salmon.

Just a pinch or two will do – any more than that and you’ll start to taste the bitterness of the herb.

Dried parsley is also a good way to add some color to your dish, so if you’re serving salmon to guests, be sure to sprinkle on a little extra for presentation.

11. Black Pepper

Black pepper comes with piney, citrusy notes that can really liven up a salmon dish.

It’s also a great way to add a bit of heat without overpowering the natural flavor of the salmon.

Just a few grinds will do, so start with that and then add more to taste.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there.

12. Salt

Salt is the superhero of spices. It has the power to make almost any dish taste better, and it’s no different with salmon.

Just a little bit of salt will help bring out the natural flavors of the fish and make it more palatable.

If you’re using fresh salmon, you’ll only need to use a little bit of salt.

If you’re using frozen salmon, you’ll need to use a bit more salt to help thaw out the fish and bring out its flavor.