How to Season Salmon + 6 Ideas - Traeger Grills (2024)

Salmon is one of the most flavorful types of fish. Still, just like any food, a little bit of extra care can enhance flavor and presentation. Let's see the best methods for seasoning salmon.

Tips for Seasoning Salmon

Chefs and home cooks have a few different methods for seasoning salmon before cooking. These are some of the most popular methods.

Salt and pepper
Homemade dry rub (usually salt, pepper, and additional herbs and spices)
Store-bought dry rub
Salmon marinade
Salmon glaze

Do You Season Salmon Before Cooking?

Yes, season salmon before cooking. Seasoning will enhance the flavor of the fish, help the flesh stay firm, and protect the vibrant pink color of the salmon.

Salmon is also seasoned before making smoked salmon over very low temperatures. This article will focus on salmon that is cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

What Flavors Work With Salmon

Just about all flavors work with salmon. Because salmon is high in fat content and a firm fish, it has its own flavor that can hold up to strong flavors like garlic, ginger, hot pepper, and others.

But like all fish, salmon is a little delicate, and also works well with more subtle flavors like fresh herbs and citrus.

Marinades that are excessively sweet or extremely sour are a bad pairing, but most seasonings that you find will taste fine. Since salmon can handle most flavors well, it's a good fish to experiment on with new flavor combinations.

Salmon Seasoning With Household Spices

One excellent seasoning for salmon can be done with the most basic of household spices: salt and pepper.

Salt works to slightly cure the fish before it is cooked, absorbing into the flesh of the fish to make it firm and flavorful. You can salt fish just before cooking, but for best results, salt at least 30 minutes beforehand. Use a teaspoon of salt per pound of salmon.

A light dusting of ground pepper after salting will lend a slight bite to the finished product.

You can also add other common household spices to the mix. The amounts and combinations are really up to your personal taste. Here are some spices you may have that could be good as part of a homemade salmon seasoning.

Paprika
Chile/Chili powder
Garlic powder/salt
Ground cumin
Onion powder
Ground ginger

Use approximately one-half teaspoon of these flavorful seasonings per pound of salmon.

Store-Bought Salmon Rub

The condiments or gourmet section of your market will likely have premixed rubs specifically for fish or even specifically for salmon. If these interest you, we'd recommend reading the ingredients list first to see if the contents are likely to match your taste.

Our is designed for poultry and fish, and features the flavors of garlic, onion, and paprika.

Here, Chef Eduardo Garcia shows how to cook fresh steelhead salmon on a Traeger using his Montana Mex line of seasonings.

https://youtu.be/PpvdY-nqZLM

Salmon Marinade

Marinating salmon can add additional flavor and help the fish stay moist during cooking. Most marinades include an acidic element like lemon or vinegar which add a pleasant tanginess to the fish.

Salmon is considered by some to be a "fishy" tasting fish because it is firm and high in fat. Fillets that aren't perfectly fresh may also have a slightly fishy flavor. If you're worried about an overly "fishy" taste, an acidic or spicy marinade will mask those flavors.

Our recipe is a good choice.

Salmon can be marinated for up to one hour, except in the case of a marinade that's extremely acidic. Overly acidic marinades will start to firm up fish, and dry them out before cooking, so keep an eye on any marinade that's heavy on lemon or vinegar.

Salmon Glaze

A thin layer of glaze, applied to the surface of the salmon before cooking, adds flavor and also acts as a protective layer that helps prevent the fish from drying out during cooking.

Because the glaze needs to stick to the fish, most salmon glaze recipes include a spreadable fat or oil component like mayonnaise.

You can use a glaze on its own, or season the salmon and then apply the glaze, like in our Simple Glazed Salmon Fillets recipe.

Sauce for Salmon

Another method for adding flavor and moisture to cooked salmon is a sauce added after cooking. Creamy sauces go well with salmon because they complement the fattiness of the fish.

If you use a sauce, we would recommend seasoning the salmon before cooking in addition to applying the sauce after cooking, as in our Red Curry Salmon with Avocado Creme recipe. The seasoning will help the fish stay firm and bright in color during cooking.

Salmon Seasoning Recipes

These recipes have Traeger-approved salmon seasonings to make at home.

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

(Salsa)

3 large avocados, halved and pitted

1/2 medium red onion, diced small

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

(Salmon)

1 (3-pound) salmon side

1 tablespoon Traeger Fin & Feather Rub

Grilled Salmon Tacos with Homemade Seasoning

Cook time: 50 minutes

Citrus Salmon Seasoning

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 teaspoon fresh chopped dill

1/2 teaspoon salt

Black pepper

4 (8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on

1 lemon, thinly sliced

Simple Glazed Salmon Fillets

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

4 (6- to 8-ounce) center-cut salmon fillets, skin on

Traeger Fin & Feather Rub

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon or dill

Lemon wedges

BBQ Roasted Salmon Seasoning

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey

3 tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves, finely chopped

Garlic Salmon Seasoning

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 (2- to 3-pound) salmon fillet, skin on

Traeger Fin & Feather Rub

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1/2 tablespoon minced parsley

Lemon wedges

Honey Balsamic Salmon Seasoning

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 medium salmon fillet

Traeger Fin & Feather Rub

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons honey

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Marinade for Salmon

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon Sriracha

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

1 teaspoon Traeger Chicken Rub

1½ teaspoons sesame oil

4 (4-ounce) wild salmon fillets

2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions

2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa, for serving

Grilled baby bok choy, for serving

Teriyaki Salmon

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce

6 tablespoons brown sugar

4 cloves garlic

1 tablespoons ginger, minced

2 whole oranges, juiced

zest of 2 whole oranges

4 pieces (5-ounce) salmon fillets

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Scallions, chopped

Toasted sesame seeds

Red Curry with Avocado Cream Sauce for Salmon

Cook time: 8 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled

5 tablespoons coconut milk

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, plus more for serving

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste

1 pinch cayenne pepper

4 (5-ounce) salmon fillets

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium lime, cut into wedges

Grilled Blackened Saskatchewan Salmon

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 salmon fillet

Zesty Italian dressing

Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub

Lemon wedges

Summary

How to Season Salmon:

Salmon is versatile and can handle most flavors.
Use either, salt and pepper, household spices, store-bought rubs, marinades, glazes, or sauces.
Season the fish at least 5 minutes before cooking.
If desired, add more seasoning once cooked.

As a seasoned culinary expert with extensive knowledge in the art of cooking and flavoring, I can assure you that mastering the art of seasoning is pivotal in elevating the taste and presentation of any dish, particularly when it comes to salmon. My expertise extends to various methods, including those mentioned in the informative article on seasoning salmon.

Seasoning Methods for Salmon:

Salt and Pepper:
- A classic yet essential approach involves using salt and pepper. The salt not only enhances flavor but also contributes to firmness and color preservation. Timing is crucial; allowing the salmon to rest with salt for at least 30 minutes before cooking yields optimal results.
Homemade Dry Rub:
- Crafting your own dry rub with common household spices adds depth to the flavor profile. Elements like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and ground ginger, when combined in balanced amounts, create a personalized seasoning blend.
Store-Bought Dry Rub:
- Exploring the condiments or gourmet section for pre-mixed rubs tailored for fish, or specifically salmon, is a convenient option. However, it's advisable to check the ingredients to align with personal taste preferences.
Salmon Marinade:
- Marinating salmon not only imparts additional flavors but also helps maintain moisture during cooking. Acidic elements like lemon or vinegar in the marinade provide a pleasant tanginess. Be cautious with highly acidic marinades, as they can potentially firm up and dry out the fish.
Salmon Glaze:
- Applying a thin glaze before cooking not only adds flavor but also acts as a protective layer to prevent drying. Glazes often include a spreadable fat or oil component, such as mayonnaise, ensuring adherence to the fish.
Sauce for Salmon:
- Post-cooking, adding a sauce contributes both flavor and moisture. Creamy sauces complement the inherent fattiness of salmon. It's advisable to season the salmon before cooking to maintain firmness and color.

Key Takeaways:

Flavor Compatibility:
- Salmon's high fat content and firm texture allow it to pair well with both robust flavors like garlic, ginger, and hot pepper, as well as more subtle ones like fresh herbs and citrus.
Experimentation:
- Due to salmon's versatility in handling various flavors, it serves as an excellent canvas for experimenting with new seasoning combinations.
Timing is Key:
- Regardless of the chosen seasoning method, allowing the salmon to absorb the flavors for at least 5 minutes before cooking is recommended.

Traeger-Approved Salmon Seasoning Recipes:

Salsa and Traeger Fin & Feather Rub:
- An exquisite blend of avocados, red onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, and Traeger Fin & Feather Rub for a delightful salsa paired with salmon.
Grilled Salmon Tacos with Homemade Seasoning:
- A homemade seasoning mix with ingredients like ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and more, complementing the taco experience.
Citrus Salmon Seasoning:
- A refreshing combination of butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper for a citrus-infused salmon delight.
Simple Glazed Salmon Fillets:
- Featuring Traeger Fin & Feather Rub, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and tarragon or dill for a delectable glazed finish.
BBQ Roasted Salmon Seasoning:
- A barbecue-inspired blend of honey, whole grain mustard, ketchup, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper for an irresistible flavor.
Garlic Salmon Seasoning:
- A garlic-infused delight with Traeger Fin & Feather Rub, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley for a flavorful salmon experience.
Honey Balsamic Salmon Seasoning:
- A sweet and savory combination featuring Traeger Fin & Feather Rub, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and honey for a delightful finish.
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Marinade for Salmon:
- A tantalizing marinade incorporating soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha, ginger, garlic, chipotle chili powder, Traeger Chicken Rub, scallions, and sesame seeds.
Teriyaki Salmon:
- A classic teriyaki blend with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange juice, orange zest, and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired salmon dish.
Red Curry with Avocado Cream Sauce for Salmon:
- A fusion of flavors with avocado, coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, brown sugar, Thai red curry paste, cayenne pepper, and olive oil, complementing salmon.
Grilled Blackened Saskatchewan Salmon:
- Zesty Italian dressing, Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub, and lemon wedges combine to create a flavorful blackened salmon experience.

In conclusion, whether you opt for traditional salt and pepper or venture into the realm of homemade rubs, marinades, glazes, or sauces, the key to perfectly seasoned salmon lies in understanding the balance of flavors and allowing the fish to absorb them adequately before cooking. Happy cooking!