Every cook has that one seasoning blend they reach for without thinking — mine is this Sweet & Smoky Salmon Seasoning. It’s got just the right balance of sweet from the brown sugar, a hint of herbs, the warm depth of garlic, and a gentle smoky kick from paprika. The lime zest? That’s the little surprise that keeps everyone guessing why the flavor tastes so bright and fresh.
I first threw this blend together on a Sunday when the grill was already hot and people were hovering around asking when dinner would be ready. I raided my spice cabinet, tossed in a little of this and a little of that, and hoped for the best. The salmon came off the grill perfectly caramelized, slightly smoky, and completely irresistible — and now it’s the only way my family wants their salmon.
Why I Love This Seasoning
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It’s fast to make – Mix it in under 5 minutes with pantry staples.
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It works on more than just salmon – It’s great on chicken, pork, shrimp, and even sprinkled over roasted veggies or popcorn.
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It keeps for months – Make a jar now and you’ve got a flavor shortcut ready anytime.
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It’s balanced – Sweet, savory, herby, and smoky all in one.
What You’ll Need
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Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
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Black pepper – Freshly cracked for the best aroma.
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Sea salt – Coarse ground or kosher salt for better texture.
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Dried basil – Dried works better here so the blend stores longer.
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Garlic powder – Brings out the savory notes in the fish.
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Smoked paprika – Adds a warm, smoky flavor without overpowering.
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Lime zest – Use fresh zest if you’re making the blend for immediate use; it’s the pop of brightness that ties everything together.
How I Make It
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Mix the blend – Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until well combined, breaking up any clumps.
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Store or use – Pour into a glass spice jar if you’re keeping it for later, or use it right away to season salmon fillets.
How I Use It on Salmon
For grilled salmon, I pat the fillets dry, coat them with a light layer of oil, and rub the seasoning on generously. Since the sugar can burn over high direct heat, I cook the salmon over indirect heat at about 375°F. On my pellet grill, that’s easy — but you can do it on a gas or charcoal grill by keeping the fish on the cooler side. Bake at the same temp in the oven on a parchment-lined sheet if you prefer.
Cook until the salmon reaches 145°F internally and flakes easily with a fork — usually about 20–25 minutes depending on thickness.
Other Ways to Use This Seasoning
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Sprinkle over shrimp before grilling.
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Rub onto chicken breasts or thighs before baking.
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Dust over roasted sweet potatoes for a smoky-sweet kick.
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Shake onto freshly popped popcorn (trust me — it’s addictive).
Make-Ahead Tips
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Double or triple the batch – It keeps for up to 6 months in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dry spot.
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Pre-season your fish – You can rub the salmon with this blend up to an hour before cooking to let the flavors sink in.
FAQs
Can I use this seasoning on skin-on salmon?
Yes — just rub it on the flesh side. The skin will crisp up nicely while the seasoning flavors the meat.
Can I skip the brown sugar?
You can, but you’ll lose the sweet balance and caramelization. If you’re avoiding sugar, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute meant for baking.
Do I have to cook with indirect heat?
If grilling, yes — it prevents the sugar from burning. In the oven, it’s not as critical.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for extra heat.
Sweet and Smoky Salmon Seasoning
Bring out the best in your salmon with this Sweet and Smoky Salmon Seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lime zest. Use a fork or whisk to break up any clumps so the mixture is even and fluffy. Generously sprinkle the seasoning over your salmon fillet, ensuring an even coat.
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze the juice from the zested lime over the salmon while it cooks. This blend works beautifully on grilled, baked, or pan-seared salmon—adding a sweet, smoky finish every time.
Notes
- Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Works well on other fish or even shrimp.
- Pair with fresh dill or parsley for a bright, herby touch.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 16Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 266mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 0g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Sweet & Smoky Salmon Seasoning is one of those little kitchen tricks that makes dinner feel special with almost no effort. Whether you’re grilling on the deck, baking in the oven, or just looking for a quick flavor boost for veggies or chicken, this jar of spice mix is a game-changer in my kitchen. Mix it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
