This easy salmon marinade combines simple ingredients to enhance the flavor of your salmon, making it a family favorite for summer grilling. Whether cooked on the grill or in the oven, this marinade ensures your salmon is flavorful and moist.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet (either a whole fillet or cut into 6-oz fillets)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (regular or reduced sodium)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mild honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Fish
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Check for any remaining bones and remove them if found.
Make the Marinade
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a medium measuring jug, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, optional brown sugar, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Taste the marinade and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Marinate the Fish
- Marinate: Place the salmon in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it is well-coated. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal it, and place it in a shallow dish. Refrigerate and let marinate for 30-60 minutes. If you must marinate longer, you can extend it up to 4-6 hours, but it's optimal to stick to a shorter duration to maintain the texture of the fish.
Cooking Methods
Grill Method:
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 400-450°F. Oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness. For individual fillets, typically 8-10 minutes is sufficient. Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon in an oiled, shallow dish. Bake for 15-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Individual pieces usually take 12-15 minutes. Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Garlic Substitute: If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use ½ – 1 teaspoon of dried garlic powder.
- Flavor Variations: Consider substituting lemon with orange juice and zest for a different citrus note. Reduce the honey and sugar when using orange due to its natural sweetness. Adding freshly minced ginger or red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the marinade, though this might not be suitable for everyone.
- Marinating Time: To avoid the fish becoming mushy, do not marinate for longer than 60 minutes unless necessary. If using a longer marination time, keep it within 4-6 hours.
- Internal Temperature: For safety, the USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). However, for a more succulent texture, chefs may opt to cook salmon to an internal temperature of 125-130°F. Choose based on your personal comfort with food safety guidelines.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 223 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 604mg
- Potassium: 531mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Vitamin A: 843 IU
- Vitamin C: 57mg
- Calcium: 26mg
- Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
This salmon marinade is perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of salmon with a touch of sweetness and zest. It's a great choice for a quick, delicious meal that can be enjoyed on warm summer nights or any time of the year. Enjoy your beautifully marinated and grilled or baked salmon, sure to be a hit at any dining table!
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Salmon Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes to 6 hours
- Yield: Enough marinade for 4 salmon fillets
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salmon Marinade enhances the natural flavors of salmon with a mix of savory and sweet elements, ensuring a juicy, flavorful fish every time you cook.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy twist
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the salmon fillets in a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the salmon marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and cook as desired, whether grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Notes
- Do not marinate for longer than 6 hours as the acidity can begin to break down the fish, affecting its texture.
- Reserve some marinade before adding the salmon to use as a sauce. Be sure to boil it for several minutes to make it safe to consume.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes to 6 hours
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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