Salmon, with its rich, bold flavor and buttery texture, pairs well with an array of herbs and spices.
Sure, there’s the traditional combinations that work well, but if you’re willing to get a bit creative, there’s a dazzling range of herbs and spices that you might not have considered.
So, if you’ve been stuck with dill, fennel or a combination of both and want to change things up, this article is for you!
6 Herbs to Use When Preparing Salmon
1. Dill
This herb with its fresh, light flavors is the most common herb used when preparing salmon.
2. Fennel
Fennel has a sweet, mild taste with a faint hint of anise, and is often used with dill in preparing salmon.
3. Tarragon
Like fennel, tarragon has a distinctive anise (licorice) flavor, which some find overpowering but can bring out the flavors of salmon.
4. Parsley
The fresh, bright flavors of parsley is the perfect accent for a salmon dish, and works well with most other herbs.
5. Sage
Use sage sparingly as too much can quickly overpower the fish but, if used right, the earthly, warm flavors can lift the whole dish.
6. Basil
A small amount of basil with its sweet, bold notes brings out the richness of the salmon when combined with lemon or lime.
4 Herb and Spice Rubs to Try
Want to try something different?
How about a salmon rub?
Simply add the herbs and spices to a bowl, rub your salmon pieces with olive oil, sprinkle the rub over, then bake or fry.
1. Spicy Smokey Salmon Rub
Combine paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, lemon zest and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.
2. Cajun Salmon Rub
Mix cayenne pepper, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano and basil in a bowl, then add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sweet and Savory Salmon Rub
Add parsley, thyme, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to a bowl. Then combine with brown sugar and lemon zest.
4. Italian Salmon Rub
Combine dried basil, rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill, red chili flakes and garlic powder, then season to taste.
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There’s nothing quite like fresh salmon and a salad for a perfect summer’s lunch. And, with a few tweaks, you can turn your meal into something sensational that will make any gathering of friends or family one to remember.
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