Name: Salmon Spice Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp cumin; 0.25 tsp fine salt; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper; pinch garlic powder; 1 organic lemon; freshly ground black pepper

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Salmon Spice Mix

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Place sugar, paprika powder, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.

Wash and dry the lemons, then finely grate about a quarter of the zest. Mix together with the remaining spices and the black pepper.

First, rub the salmon fillets all over with a little oil. Then spread the spice mix over the surface of the fillets and gently press it in with your fingers. Cook the salmon in the oven or in an air fryer.

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Zest Fresh Lemon Before Drying 🍋
Zest your organic lemon fresh and add it to the spice mix just before using, as dried zest loses potency quickly. If making ahead, store the zest separately and combine only when ready to apply to salmon.
Toast Cumin for Deeper Flavor 🔥
Lightly toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before grinding them fresh into your mix—this releases essential oils and amplifies the warm, earthy complexity that complements the smoked paprika beautifully.
Press and Chill for Better Crust 🧊
After pressing the spice mix onto salmon fillets, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow the brown sugar and seasonings to adhere properly, creating a more cohesive, caramelized crust.
Balance Sweetness with Saltiness ⚖️
Taste a tiny pinch of your raw spice mix on your tongue—the brown sugar should complement rather than overpower the savory elements; adjust the cayenne or add more smoked paprika if sweetness dominates.
Cook Skin-Down for Maximum Texture 🐟
When baking or air-frying, place salmon skin-side down so the spice crust faces up and receives direct heat, creating a caramelized exterior while the skin protects the delicate flesh underneath.