Easy Salmon Rub Seasoning (Trader Joe's copycat)

Baked Coho salmon fillet on a rectangular gray plate with parsley with trader joe's salmon rub bottle in the background

Easy Salmon Rub Seasoning (Trader Joe's copycat)

Love Trader Joe's Salmon Rub seasoning blend? You can make this easy DIY copycat recipe at home in 5 minutes. A simple blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and thyme make for a for caramelized, super yum salmon.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose

Keyword easy salmon recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Servings

Calories 350kcal

Author Agile Test Kitchen

Equipment

1 baking sheet

Ingredients

1 lb salmon fillets pin bones removed, skin on or off

Salmon Rub (Trader Joe's Copycat)

1 Tb brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon table salt or 1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place a rack on the upper third of the oven.
Pat the salmon fillet dry. Place skin side down on an oiled or parchment lined baking sheet.
Mix together the salmon rub ingredients. Rub over the flesh of the salmon in an even layer. The seasoning should stick to the skin of the fish. (See Note 2.)
Bake salmon for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, or until the internal temp reaches 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the fillet.

Notes

This recipe works well with all types of salmon: King, Coho, Sockeye, Atlantic.
If you use the tail end of the salmon, Coho, or Sockeye salmon, it may not have a lot of fat to 'cook' the spice rub in the oven. In that case, add a couple teaspoons of oil onto the fish prior to adding the spice rub. It will help the rub stick to the salmon better.
If there is too much spice rub on the salmon (such as a layer that can easily be shook off), it may not be absorbed and remain as a layer of dry spice on the fillet.

Nutrition