‘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!

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