Salmon Marinade

Salmon Marinade : Packed with flavors like zesty citrus, savory garlic, and a hint of sweetness, this marinade infuses your salmon with rich, mouthwatering taste. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, it’s a quick and easy way to transform a simple fillet into a gourmet meal.

Why Marinade Your Salmon?

Salmon is a versatile and richly-flavored fish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of ingredients. A good marinade not only infuses the salmon with flavor but also helps to keep it moist and tender, especially when grilling or baking.

Tips and Tricks for Marinating Salmon

• Timing is Key: Generally, 30 minutes to 2 hours is the perfect marinating time. Any longer, and the fish may become mushy.
• Skin Side Matters: If your salmon has the skin on, marinate it flesh-side down. The skin doesn’t absorb the marinade but still protects the flesh from overcooking.
• Use a Resealable Bag: Using a zip-top bag allows the marinade to fully envelop the salmon for even flavor distribution.
• Baste During Cooking: For extra flavor, reserve some marinade (before adding to raw fish) and use it to baste the salmon while it cooks.

Delicious Variations to Try

Here are some variations on the classic marinade that will bring new life to your salmon:

Asian-Inspired Marinade

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Mediterranean Herb Marinade

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Sweet and Spicy Marinade

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of one lime

How to Serve Marinated Salmon

The possibilities are endless! Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Over Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy grains soak up all the delicious juices from the salmon.
• Salmon Salad: Flake the salmon over a fresh salad with arugula, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
• Tacos: Break the salmon into chunks and serve in tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of lime crema.
• Pasta: Toss chunks of cooked salmon with your favorite pasta and a lemony cream sauce.

How to Store Leftover Marinated Salmon

• Refrigerate: Place cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
• Reheating Tips: Gently reheat in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until just warmed through, or enjoy cold in salads and sandwiches.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for marinating?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating to ensure the flavors penetrate the fish.

Should I rinse off the marinade before cooking?

No, there’s no need to rinse off the marinade. However, you can pat the salmon dry with a paper towel if it’s excessively wet to get a nice sear.

Can I reuse the marinade?

For safety reasons, do not reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw fish. If you want to use it as a sauce, set some aside before adding it to the salmon.

How long can I keep marinated salmon in the fridge?

You can keep marinated salmon in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and the fish may become overly soft and lose its texture.

Yield: 6

Salmon Marinade

Print

Salmon Marinade : Packed with flavors like zesty citrus, savory garlic, and a hint of sweetness, this marinade infuses your salmon with rich, mouthwatering taste.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 pounds salmon fillet: Can be a whole piece or cut into 6-oz fillets
• ¼ cup olive oil: For a rich, smooth base
• ⅓ cup soy sauce: Use regular or reduced sodium as preferred
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty kick
• 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Extra caramelization never hurt anyone
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: For a fresh, herby note
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Feel free to adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest: Brings out all those citrusy flavors
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season carefully, depending on your soy sauce choice

Instructions

1. First, pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and check for any stray bones. Remove them gently with tweezers if needed.
2. Grab a medium-sized measuring jug and whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, brown sugar (if using), parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of salt and pepper. Pro tip:
3. Taste the marinade before adding salt to ensure you don’t over-season.
4. Place your salmon in a large zip-top bag (at least 3-quart size). Pour the marinade over the fish, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal. Pop the bag in a shallow dish to catch any drips and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. (Got more time? Check the notes for guidance.)
5. Remove the salmon from the bag, discarding the marinade, and choose your cooking method:
6. Preheat your grill to 400-450°F. Make sure the grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.
7. Grill the salmon skin-side down for about 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness. (A 2-inch fillet will need around 20 minutes.) For smaller fillets, 8-10 minutes should do the trick.
8. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly oil a shallow baking dish. Bake the salmon for 15-22 minutes, depending on its thickness and size. Individual fillets typically take 12-15 minutes.
10. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 325Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 95mgSodium 330mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 34g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Marinating salmon is a simple yet effective way to bring out the best in this nutritious, flavorful fish. With the tips, tricks, and recipe variations shared here, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of marinating salmon. Whether you prefer a classic lemon and herb profile or an adventurous sweet-and-spicy kick, your taste buds are in for a treat. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

Check my other salmon recipes:

• Salmon Chowder
• Salmon And Rice
• Salmon Dip