When it comes to seafood, seasoning can make all the difference, and Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub delivers a simple yet effective way to elevate your fish dishes. I know I can be guilty of keeping it simple with just some salt and pepper, but this rub has come into my regular rotation. This spice blend is specially formulated to enhance the natural flavors of salmon and other fish varieties, making it easy to create restaurant-quality meals at home.
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What is Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub?
Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub is a pre-mixed blend of spices designed specifically for seasoning salmon. The rub contains a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme giving your fish a sweet and smoky flavor. It comes in a convenient shaker bottle, making it easy to sprinkle on your fish before grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
Taste and Flavor Profile
The flavor of Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub is balanced to complement the rich, fatty nature of salmon, especially farm-raised salmon. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the smoked paprika brings a nice mildly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted fish. Overall, the rub offers a balanced, albeit sweet note to Salmon.
On the surface, Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub appears to be a low-calorie way to add big flavor to your meals. A single serving typically contains 0 calories, making it a healthy option for seasoning fish or other proteins. However, based on it being a rub, I doubt anyone is using that little in each serving. If you are like me and make a rub out of this you are using something closer to a tablespoon per filet. And based on the idea that sugar is the first ingredient, there are some calories to be had here despite the number reading zero. So if you are counting carbs, I would say use this sparingly.
Value for Money
At $2.69, this is a pretty good deal especially when you consider the fact that the end product with salmon is good. While you probably could make this cheaper at home as it only contains brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme, it's nice to have a quick and reliable blend already done for you.
Based on the size of the container it is small enough I could be used in a timely fashion without loss of freshness.
Instructions
If you are unsure how to use this product, then here are two different ways of preparing salmon using Trader Joe's Salmon Rub.
- Step 1: Heat a pan to medium-high heat if cooking on stove top. If baking, pre-heat oven to 400F.
- Step 2: Dry any excess liquid from the salmon. Pat dry with a paper towel. If pan frying, use oil to coat the bottom of the pan. If baking also ensure the bottom of the pan has oil as to prevent sticking. Be sure to start the skin side down.
- Step 3: Season generously with Trader Joe's Salmon Rub. For 2 filets, use about 1 tablespoon.
- Step 4: If pan-frying cook 4-5 minute per side. Check to make sure center is cooked through. If baking, it will take 12-15 minutes.
Other cooking directions for Salmon
Using Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub is as simple as it gets. Here are some easy methods for incorporating this seasoning into your seafood dishes:
- Grilling: Rub a generous amount of the seasoning onto your salmon fillets before placing them on the grill. The heat will caramelize the brown sugar and bring out the smoky paprika, creating a flavorful crust on the fish.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F and coat your salmon with the rub. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Pan-Searing: For a quick weeknight meal, sprinkle the rub over your salmon and sear it in a hot pan with a little oil. The rub will form a delicious crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Smoked Salmon: If you have a smoker, Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub works wonders for smoked salmon. Apply the rub before smoking for a rich, smoky flavor that’s perfect for brunch or appetizers.
- Air Frying: Preheat your airfryer to 400F. Be sure to brush you salmon with oil to prevent sticking. Cook for 7-9 minutes and check for doneness.
Other Uses for Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub
Other Uses for Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub
Though it's designed for salmon, this versatile rub can be used on a variety of proteins and vegetables. Here are a few other ideas:
Vegetables: Sprinkle the rub over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash to add depth and a hint of sweetness.
Chicken: The sweet and smoky flavors work well with grilled or roasted chicken.
Pork: Use the rub on pork chops or pork tenderloin for a flavorful, caramelized crust.
FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:
As with most spices, Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub has a long shelf life. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to preserve its freshness, and it should last for several months.
The amount of rub you use depends on your taste preferences. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of rub per fillet, but feel free to adjust based on how strong you want the flavors to be.
The rub has a slight kick from the black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. The sweetness from the brown sugar helps to balance out the heat.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Salmon Rub is a fantastic addition to any seafood lover’s spice cabinet. Its blend of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors enhances the taste of salmon without overpowering it. Whether you're grilling, baking, air frying, or pan-searing, this rub makes it easy to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home. For $2.69, it's an affordable way to take your salmon to the next level (or veggies, chicken, or pork if you are curious).
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Trader Joe's Salmon Rub
Product Name: Trader Joe's Salmon Rub
Product Description: Trader Joe's Salmon Rub is one of the newer seasoning blends to hit shelves.
Price: $2.69
Summary
Trader Joe's Salmon Rub is an affordably priced seasoning that works well.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- At $2.69 this is a well-done seasoning blend.
- Good flavor without having to add any further salt or pepper.
- Will mildly caramelize on whatever you heat it with.
Cons
- Jar should have suggestions on how to use this beyond just salmon
- If you don't like a touch of sweetness then skip this item
Lora Sheets says
I liked your 1-5 rating system. Have you decided not to use it?
becomebetty says
It's all the way at the bottom. It's on my screen.