‘Spice Rack Seasoning’ – a sublime blend of herbs and spices for seasoning salmon

A delicious blend of herbs and spices that make a tasty topping for baked salmon. This gorgeous ‘spice rack’ seasoning for salmon is easy to make and tastes sublime!

I use a lot of herbs and spices in my cookery. My spice rack/cupboard is overflowing!

As well as individual spices and herbs, I’m also a complete sucker for blends and mixes. Some of these are classics, like garam masala, ras el hanout or herbs de Provence, but there are also many others that are not so traditional. Things with names like “herbs for fish”, “season all” and “grill spice”.

Many of these have come back with us as holiday souvenirs, or were gifts from friends. Typically they get used a few times, then languish on the shelves for months/years before being thrown away.

Mix it yourself!

In an effort to prevent such waste, and also to free up valuable shelf space in the spice rack, I’ve decided to ditch the bulk readymade blends and mix for myself in small quantities instead.

This way, I can whip up enough for say, two or three meals, and use it all up before it loses its flavour.

I’ll have a rotating cast of delicious herb and spice blends, none of which outstay their welcome! That’s the theory, anyway.

Superb herbs for fish

First up, is this amazing herb and spice seasoning for salmon or other kinds of fish. This is based on a mixture that I received as a gift a few years ago. It contained everything but the kitchen sink and I was initially wary that it would be overpowering.

However, I sprinkled some over a salmon fillet before baking, and the results were absolutely sublime!

I went from a cautious sprinkle to what is best described as a crust, and this flavoursome herb and spice combo has never let me down. All you need is a squeeze of lemon and you have a tasty and sophisticated main course.

Spice rack seasoning for salmon

I call it ‘spice rack salmon’ because there’s so many different herbs and spices – a bit of everything on the spice rack! However don’t be put off – you probably have most of them already and it’s a simple job to mix them into this heavenly blend.

Even if you find yourself buying a few new herbs or spices, these are all terrifically tasty on their own too. Be bold and add new flavours to your cooking! A shake of this and a sprinkle of that makes everything delicious!

This recipe makes about 6 tablespoon of seasoning for salmon or other fish, which I reckon is about 12-15 individual portions. So three meals for four people, two meals for six, etc.

What herbs go with salmon?

There are loads of different herbs that go really well with salmon. The fish has a robust flavour and complements many different tastes. Some classic herbs that are used with the fish include:

• Parsley – like in this parsley crusted salmon
• Tarragon
• Dill – like in this mustard dill salmon with lingonberry sauce
• Bay leaves
• Rosemary – like in this salmon with pine nuts, rosemary & orange
• Thyme
• Oregano

Plus of course garlic and onions, and citrus fruits like lemon and lime.

Salmon also works really well with savoury spices, as demonstrated by this awesome dry-rubbed roasted salmon with pastrami spices. Some of my favourites are coriander, mustard seeds and black pepper.

What’s in ‘spice rack’ herb & spice seasoning for salmon

This tasty herb and spice mixture includes quite a few items from the list above, plus one or two ‘wildcards’! To make it yourself you will need:

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Tarragon
• Mint (you can use dried mint from a mint tea bag if you don’t have mint in your spice rack)
• Sage
• Bay leaves
• Oregano
• Coriander seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Sumac
• Black peppercorns
• Onion granules/powder

The recipe is pretty forgiving, so if you’re missing one or two, just leave them out, or substitute something similar. And if you only have ready ground coriander or pepper, use those instead of grinding your own.

You can also add a pinch of dried chilli flakes if you like your salmon to have a bit more of a kick!

How to make this tasty salmon seasoning

Once you have assembled the ingredients, making the herb and spice seasoning mix is a breeze. First, give the coriander, fennel seeds, bay leaves and peppercorns a good bash in a mortar and pestle.

Alternatively, you can blast them in a mini chopper, but don’t overdo it – they should still be quite chunky rather than pulverised to a fine powder.

Then, simply add the remaining herbs and seasonings to the crushed seeds, bay leaves and pepper. Mix everything well together, then tip into a storage jar or container.

Alternatively, once you’ve crushed the seeds and leaves, you can measure all the other ingredients into a clean jam jar. Then simply pop on the lid and shake to mix! Now you just have to label the jar and you’re all set.

Using ‘spice rack’ seasoning for salmon

It couldn’t be simpler and the results are super-delicious!

You can also use this seasoning on a ‘side’ of salmon, and cut it up to serve once cooked. However, you will need to bake for longer to ensure that the centre of the fish is cooked through. I would say 30-40 minutes for a piece that serves 6-8 people, but it depends on the thickness.

Follow the instructions on the package or ask your fishmonger if you’re in doubt.

Spice rack seasoning for salmon

It was DH who named this delicious fish seasoning. I was going to call it ‘kitchen sink’ seasoning, but that made him think of the washing up, apparently!

Which name do you prefer? We’ll stick to ‘spice rack’ for now, I think!

If you want deliciously easy, family-friendly recipes like this one delivered straight to your inbox, simply click here to subscribe. (Of course, I’ll never pass on your email address to anyone.)

📖 Recipe

‘Spice rack’ salmon – baked salmon with a delicious herb and spice topping

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

A fragrant blend of herbs and spices that make a perfect seasoning for baked salmon.

4.72 from 14 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings 4

Calories 278 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

To make the 'spice rack' herb and spice seasoning

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2-3 bay leaves, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon tarragon
• 1 tablespoon mint
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 tablespoon onion granules/powder

To make baked salmon with 'spice rack' topping

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 teaspoon 'spice rack' seasoning blend
• wedges of lemon to serve (optional)

Instructions

 

To make the 'spice rack' seasoning

• First, crush the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns and crumbled bay leaves in a mortar and pestle or mini chopper. Ideally, they should still be quite chunky rather than a fine powder.
• Add the remaining herbs and seasonings to the crushed seeds, peppercorns and leaves, and mix everything well together. Tip into a storage jar or container. The mixture should be quite 'chunky'.
• Don't forget to label the jar! Add the date you made it, and how it's used. Store the jar in a cool dark place. These quantities make enough for approximately 12 portions of salmon or other fish.

  For details on using the seasoning blend, see below.

To make 'spice rack' baked salmon

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly brush a foil-lined baking tray with olive oil.
• Place the fillets of salmon skin-side-down, on the prepared tray. Brush the fish lightly with more olive oil and generously sprinkle the fish with around 1-2 teaspoon of spice rack seasoning herb and spice blend per fillet. 
• Bake the fish at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. Serve with wedges of lemon to squeeze over the top.

Notes

NB All herbs are dried, not fresh. 

Nutritional information is given for a portion of salmon cooked with the herb and spice blend.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

'Spice rack' salmon – baked salmon with a delicious herb and spice topping

Serving Size

 

1 fillet

Amount per Serving

Calories

278

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

14

g

22

%

Saturated Fat

 

2

g

13

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

5

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

6

g

Cholesterol

 

94

mg

31

%

Sodium

 

76

mg

3

%

Potassium

 

864

mg

25

%

Carbohydrates

 

1

g

0

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

34

g

68

%

Vitamin A

 

130

IU

3

%

Vitamin C

 

1

mg

1

%

Calcium

 

35

mg

4

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword fish, herbs, spice

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More delicious fish recipes

I’m linking this recipe up with #CookBlogShare