Best Ever Salmon Dry Rub (Salmon Seasoning)

A bowl of the Best Ever Salmon Dry Rub with a wooden spoon.

5 from 1 vote

Best Ever Salmon Dry Rub (Salmon Seasoning)

This salmon dry rub is a simple homemade seasoning blend that has the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors to take your salmon to the next level! Makes about ¼ cup.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat

Servings:

Calories: 8kcal

Author: Dr. Sonali Ruder

Ingredients

1 tablespoon smoked paprika or mix 2 teaspoons paprika + 1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Salmon Dry Rub:

In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika , garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, brown sugar, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper together.
Place the salmon skin-side down on a plate and sprinkle the seasoning on top, evenly coating the pieces. Lightly rub the seasoning into the salmon. Then, cook the salmon according to your preferred method (see below).
Store extra salmon dry rub in a sealed jar like a mason jar or spice jar, in a cool place. It will last up to 6 months.

Cooking Instructions:

To grill the salmon on a grill: Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Brush the grill rack well with oil. Place the salmon on the grill, seasoned side down and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-5 minutes to desired doneness.
To bake the salmon in the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the salmon on an oiled sheet pan and bake in the oven 10-15 minutes until it reaches desired doneness.
To cook the salmon on the stove: Heat a nonstick skillet on the stove over medium high heat and spray with olive oil. Place the salmon in the pan, seasoned side down and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-5 minutes to desired doneness.
To cook the salmon in an air fryer: Heat an air fryer to 400°F. Spray or brush the rack with olive oil. Add the salmon to the air fryer in a single layer. Cook 6-10 minutes to desired doneness.

Notes

You'll need about 1 tablespoon of spice rub per pound (16 ounces) of salmon. This recipe makes about ¼ cup salmon dry rub. Store extra salmon dry rub in a sealed jar like a mason jar or these spice jars (LINK) , in a cool, dark place. It will last up to 6 months.

Tailor the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal taste- increase the amount for more heat or leave it out for a milder flavor.

Nutrition