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A close-up shot showcases a vibrant Salmon Marinade coating fresh salmon fillets, ready for grilling or baking.

Best Salmon Marinade

This salmon marinade recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, elevating your salmon to a new level. With a blend of acid, oil, and aromatics, it tenderizes the salmon while infusing it with complex flavors, ensuring a moist and delicious result every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1.5-2 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Resealable bag or shallow dish
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Garlic mincer
  • Grater
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, ginger, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Place the salmon fillet in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it's evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the salmon from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  6. Cook the salmon according to your preferred method (baking, grilling, pan-frying, etc.).

Notes

Marinating for longer than 2 hours may result in a mushy texture. Always discard the marinade after use due to contact with raw fish. This marinade can be adjusted to suit different tastes; experiment with spices such as smoked paprika, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a salad.