This enchanting salmon seasoning mixture turns any salmon into a remarkably flavorful fish in just minutes. Crafted with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a selection of savory spices, it is perfect for grilled, baked, or pan-seared salmon.

Wishing to elevate your salmon’s taste to the extraordinary? Give my enchanting salmon seasoning a try! I refer to it as magical since it genuinely transforms a piece of plain fish into something fabulous.

This blend is suitable for any type of salmon and offers a finely balanced spice mix that enhances the fish’s inherent richness. After discovering this combination of flavors, I ceased using any other seasoning recipes. Just grab a jar of this salmon seasoning and you’re all set, whether you decide to grill, bake, or pan fry!

Why This Is the Ultimate Salmon Seasoning

I assure you, everyone will notice when you incorporate this salmon seasoning! Over the years, I’ve received numerous compliments on this recipe.

In its creation, I drew inspiration from Old Bay seasoning, renowned for seafood, and merged it with elements from my favorite blackened seasoning. The outcome is a blend that tastes like something you’d find in a restaurant, utilizing spices readily available in your pantry!

The hidden gem here is smoked paprika. This Spanish spice contributes a delicate smoky richness, making it a worthy addition. Each time I include it in my seasoning mixes, people take note!

5 Star Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This seasoning is fantastic!! I added about 2 tbsp of soft brown sugar since we prefer our salmon a bit sweet and it was perfect. The best salmon I’ve had in quite a while.” -Shelly E.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this salmon seasoning mix, along with kosher salt:

– Smoked paprika: This is a Spanish variant of paprika created from peppers that are smoked over a flame. It’s available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores and online, often labeled as pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika, or sweet smoked paprika.
– Garlic powder: Provides savory, aromatic qualities that pair well with fish.
– Onion powder: Introduces complexity without being overpowering.
– Thyme: A traditional herb for seafood that offers subtle earthy undertones.
– Celery seed: This is the key ingredient from Old Bay that binds everything together.
– Cumin: Contributes warmth and a touch of earthiness.
– Allspice: This also imparts background warmth (the secret additive from blackened seasoning).

How to Season Salmon Flawlessly

The proportion is essential here. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning for every ½ pound of salmon. This ensures complete coverage without overwhelming the fish’s flavor.

– For grilled salmon or pan-seared salmon: Thoroughly pat 1 pound of fish dry with paper towels (this aids in developing a nice crust). Coat it with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix.
– For baked salmon: Arrange 1 pound salmon on oiled foil on a baking sheet. Pat it dry, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons, then bake.

Storage and Shelf Life

You can keep your homemade salmon seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Naturally, it’s best when freshest!

Spices typically last in a cool, dry location for 8 months to 1 year. This spice blend can rejuvenate spices you’ve had for some time.

More Salmon Seasoning Variations

If you’re looking to diversify from this mix, here are additional ways I favor seasoning salmon:

For more inspiration, check out my guide on the finest sauces for salmon.

Dietary Notes

This salmon seasoning recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, naturally sweet, refined sugar-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute regular paprika for smoked? Yes, but the taste will be less intricate. Smoked paprika provides a unique smoky depth that standard paprika cannot replicate. If you opt for sweet paprika, consider adding a small dash of liquid smoke to your salmon prior to seasoning.

Can I prepare this blend in advance? Certainly! I suggest making a double or triple batch and storing it in an airtight jar. It preserves for 6 to 12 months and accelerates weeknight cooking significantly.

Does this seasoning work on frozen salmon? Yes, but ensure that the salmon is fully thawed and thoroughly dried before applying the seasoning. Excess moisture hinders the spices from adhering properly and prevents the fish from achieving a nice crust.

Is this seasoning spicy? No, this blend is savory and smoky but not hot. There’s no chili powder or cayenne, making it suitable for families and those who do not enjoy spicy food.

Enchanting Salmon Seasoning

Allow this delightful salmon seasoning to work its wonders on your fillets! This blend enhances the fish’s flavor, whether it’s baked, pan-seared, or grilled.

**Scaling Up: Providing Mulled Wine for a Crowd**

When organizing a gathering, having an adequate supply of drinks is essential for a successful occasion. Mulled wine, with its cozy, spiced notes, is an excellent selection for entertaining during the chillier seasons. If you’re anticipating a substantial number of attendees, think about increasing the quantity of your recipe to satisfy the need. By either doubling or even tripling the recipe, you can effectively serve a large audience. A useful suggestion is to acquire two bottles of wine for a doubled recipe. Contemporary kitchen appliances such as a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot are perfect for this task, as they can effortlessly manage larger amounts. For ease, several online recipes include a “2x button” feature, enabling you to double the ingredients with just a click, ensuring you preserve the ideal flavor balance.

**Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Mulled Wine Fresh**

Mulled wine can be made ahead of time and stored, making it a practical choice for gatherings. It can be refrigerated for up to three days when stored correctly. To keep its quality intact, use an airtight container and make sure to strain out the spices prior to storage. When it’s time to serve, reheating is simple. Pour the mulled wine into a pot and gently heat it over low heat, being careful not to let it come to a boil, as this could change the flavors. For those who like a quicker approach, individual servings can be warmed in the microwave. Nevertheless, many prefer the stovetop method for preserving the taste and aroma better, offering a more delightful experience for your guests.

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the well-known culinary platform, A Couple Cooks. As writers of two celebrated cookbooks, devoted parents, and a real couple united by their love for cooking, Alex and Sonja have significantly influenced the realm of home cooking. Their adventure started in 2010 when they created A Couple Cooks to spread their enthusiasm for straightforward, seasonal dishes and the pleasure of cooking to a broader audience.

Throughout the years, A Couple Cooks has evolved into a thorough resource for home chefs, featuring thousands of unique recipes, valuable cooking tips, and useful meal planning suggestions. Every recipe is carefully prepared and photographed by Alex and Sonja, ensuring a personal touch and a commitment to excellence. Their recipes are not only tried and tested by the couple but also by their children, making them family-friendly and approachable for cooks of every level.

Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy prioritizes simplicity and seasonality, motivating home cooks to utilize fresh, local ingredients to their fullest. Their culinary creations span quick weeknight meals to intricate weekend gatherings, appealing to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced chef, A Couple Cooks has something for all, making the craft of cooking accessible and pleasurable.

Beyond their website, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that delve deeper into their culinary ideology. These books offer readers an enriching exploration of their cherished recipes and cooking methods, featuring stunning visuals and personal stories that narrate their culinary journey.

As active parents, Alex and Sonja recognize the difficulties of balancing family responsibilities with a love for cooking. Their recipes are crafted to be practical and attainable, providing solutions for those wishing to savor home-cooked meals without investing excessive time in the kitchen. Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja consistently motivate and empower home cooks globally, one delectable recipe at a time.

Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Partnership Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the writers of two best-selling cookbooks and the creators of the well-known site A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home chefs since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and contagious passion for culinary creativity.

Alex and Sonja’s adventure in the realm of food blogging started as a personal journey of cooking together as a couple. What began as a pastime rapidly grew into a venue for sharing their culinary innovations with a broader audience. Their website, A Couple Cooks, has become an essential hub for countless original recipes, cooking advice, and meal planning strategies, all designed with the busy home cook in mind.

One distinctive feature of Alex and Sonja’s method is their dedication to crafting recipes that are not just tasty but also accessible. They emphasize the use of seasonal produce to create meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable. Their philosophy is based on the idea that cooking should be a joyous activity, one that unites people and cultivates a sense of community.

As busy parents, Alex and Sonja appreciate the difficulties of managing family life alongside a passion for cooking. They frequently test their recipes on their own children, guaranteeing that each meal is family-friendly and straightforward to prepare. This pragmatic approach has struck a chord with their audience, many of whom seek ways to include healthy, homemade dishes in their everyday lives.

Apart from their website, Alex and Sonja have written two cookbooks that further highlight their culinary skills. These books provide readers with a more in-depth look at their cooking philosophy, featuring beautifully captured dishes and detailed instructions. Each recipe reflects their commitment to making cooking a pleasurable and rewarding endeavor.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have formed a community of individuals who share their enthusiasm for cooking and good eating. Their website is not just a compilation of recipes; it is a celebration of the happiness that arises from preparing and sharing meals with those you care about. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen beginner, Alex and Sonja’s inviting approach and delicious recipes are certain to motivate you to start cooking.

This effervescent apple cider mocktail fuses fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and mint, crowned with a cinnamon sugar rim, creating the perfect winter and fall beverage for festivities or gatherings. Ready in a mere 5 minutes!

As a cocktail aficionado, I’ve begun to favor mocktail concoctions for events: my experience has shown me that no-proof drinks can be just as delightful as their alcoholic counterparts! Furthermore, they are lighter and suitable for everyone.

This apple cider mocktail encapsulates everything I adore about warm winter and fall beverages without any alcohol. It literally takes just 5 minutes to prepare, and whenever I serve it, someone invariably requests the recipe. The cinnamon sugar rim alone makes this worth it! It’s fantastic as a holiday beverage or Thanksgiving mocktail, or whenever you seek a fun drink option.

Why This Apple Cider Mocktail Works

I can’t claim credit for this apple cider mocktail: my husband Alex actually developed the recipe! He originated the idea for the secret ingredient: apple cider vinegar, just like in this pomegranate mocktail. It may sound unusual, but the acidity replicates alcohol and genuinely enhances the cocktail-like flavor!

The apple cider offers sweetness and tang, ginger beer introduces bubbles, and muddled mint and lemon contribute aromatic elements. The highlight is the cinnamon sugar rim: it includes a hint of salt too, which is immensely satisfying! I relished this mocktail with a meal and appreciated how well it complements food, rather than overshadowing it like a typical cocktail.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve crafted this mocktail numerous times, and here’s what I’ve discovered about achieving optimal flavor:

– Unfiltered apple cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider—the kind found in the refrigerated section at grocery stores or farmers markets. It boasts significantly more character than filtered versions (which are clear and devoid of sediment).
– Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the bright, fresh flavor essential to this drink.
– Apple cider vinegar: This secret ingredient balances the sweetness. It’s the element that prompts people to ask, “What makes this taste so wonderful?”
– Ginger beer: As ginger beer constitutes half the liquid in this drink, it has an impact. I prefer brands like Fever-Tree or Q Ginger Beer.
– Fresh mint: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.

How to Make an Apple Cider Mocktail

The technique is just as crucial as the ingredients. Here’s what to do (or skip to the full recipe below if you’re eager to dive in):

– Start with the rim. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on a small plate. Moisten the edge of your glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it into the sugar mix, ensuring an even coating.
– Muddle effectively. In your cocktail shaker, gently muddle the lemon peel and mint leaves together. Approximately 10-15 gentle presses should suffice.
– Shake purposefully. Pour the apple cider, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar into the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
– Top with fizz. Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice, then finish with ginger ale. Always add carbonated ingredients last to maintain those bubbles!

Pro tip: You can also prepare a larger batch of the cinnamon sugar mixture and store it in a jar. It’s ideal for rimming glasses, sprinkling on oatmeal, or enhancing homemade hot chocolate.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This apple cider mocktail is remarkably adaptable. Here are my preferred ways to serve and customize it:

– Create a party pitcher. Multiply the recipe by 8. Pour 2.5 oz into a glass and top with 2 oz ginger beer before serving.
– Transform it into a cocktail. Add 1.5 oz of bourbon, spiced rum, vodka, or even tequila. It becomes akin to my apple cider bourbon cocktail, apple cider martini, or apple cider margarita.
– Experiment with different herbs. I adore mint, but rosemary adds a more savory, wintry essence.
– Incorporate various juices. Combine half apple cider and half cranberry or pomegranate juice. You could also include half fresh squeezed orange juice for a delightful addition.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While this mocktail is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the carbonation, you can prepare components in advance:

– Cinnamon sugar rim mixture: This remains fresh for 6 months in an airtight container.
– Apple cider mixture: Blend the apple cider, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar up to 24 hours prior. Keep it refrigerated (see notes in the recipe).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? No! Apple cider possesses a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor that makes this mocktail exceptional.

Why do you add apple cider vinegar? The vinegar imparts a subtle acidity and complexity.