Ingredients:

  • 2 lb salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Pepper Salmon Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Use paper towels to pat the 2 lb salmon fillets completely bone dry. Surface moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Light Brown Sugar, Lemon Pepper Salmon Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper.
  3. Ensure there are no lumps in the brown sugar until the mixture looks like fine, reddish sand.
  4. Sprinkle the rub over the flesh side of the salmon.
  5. Gently use your fingers to press the spices into the meat until the surface is fully coated and matte.
  6. Let the seasoned fish sit for 5 minutes. This allows the salt to begin its work on the proteins.
  7. Preheat your skillet or oven until you feel a strong heat radiating from the surface.
  8. Place the salmon in the pan, seasoned side down first if you want a heavy crust.
  9. Watch the side of the fillet until the opaque color creeps halfway up the meat.
  10. Gently turn the fish and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.