If you’re craving a seafood dish that bursts with fresh, lively flavors and is surprisingly easy to make, this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the tangy blend of lemon, lime, and orange juices creates the perfect balance of sweet and zesty, making the salmon grill up tender and flaky every single time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all my personal tips so you can nail this fan-freaking-tastic dish on your very first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Citrus Flavor: The triple citrus marinade takes plain salmon to a whole new level of bright and delicious.
- Grill-Ready Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can impress guests without fuss.
- Tender, Flaky Perfection: Grilling on cedar planks or a well-oiled grill keeps the salmon juicy and easy to flake.
- Sweet and Tangy Balance: The marmalade and brown sugar add just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the citrus notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe focuses on fresh, vibrant ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Using fresh citrus juices ensures a tangy brightness, while the orange marmalade introduces a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce’s umami kick. When shopping, look for wild-caught salmon if you can—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Salmon filets: Go for center-cut, skin-on pieces for the best grilling results and flavor retention.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed works wonders, but store-bought natural juice is fine too.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tart punch—fresh is best!
- Lime juice: Complements the other citrus flavors with its unique tang.
- Orange marmalade: Adds sweetness and a bit of texture; whole fruit bits make it extra special.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the marinade a depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory, salty balance to counteract the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Helps caramelize the glaze on the salmon as it grills.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the marinade into a glaze that clings perfectly to the salmon.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch, ensuring a smooth texture.
Variations
I’m all about making this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe your own, so don’t hesitate to tweak the marinade or add your favorite herbs and spices. I’ve experimented a lot, and the best dishes always come when you trust your tastes.
- Herb Boost: I love adding chopped fresh dill or cilantro to the marinade for a herbal freshness that complements the citrus beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne to give the glaze some heat—my family especially enjoys this version on chilly nights.
- Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Smoked Salmon: For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika in the marinade or grill over wood chips for a subtle smoky aroma.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Citrus Marinade
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, orange marmalade, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This magical mixture is where the magic happens, infusing the salmon with layers of sweet and tangy flavor. I always taste the marinade at this point—if it feels too tart, a little more marmalade or brown sugar can smooth it right out.
Step 2: Thicken the Marinade to a Glaze
Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this into the marinade mixture and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely—this usually happens quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid lumps. Remove from heat and set aside. This step transforms the marinade into a glossy glaze that will cling to the salmon during grilling.
Step 3: Prepare and Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon filets skin side down on cedar planks or a well-oiled grill surface. This keeps the fish from sticking and adds that lovely smoky flavor if you’re using cedar. Season the salmon lightly with salt and pepper. Then generously brush half of the glaze onto the salmon tops. Grill over medium-high heat for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist and tender inside.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once off the grill, transfer the salmon to your serving plates and brush with the reserved glaze for an extra glossy, tasty finish. This little extra step makes a huge difference in flavor and presentation—I discovered it when I wanted my dishes to look as good as they taste!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe
- Use Cedar Planks for Extra Flavor: If you’ve never tried grilling salmon on cedar planks, it’s a game-changer—adds subtle smokiness and keeps the fish moist.
- Don’t Overcook Your Salmon: Salmon can go from tender to dry fast, so keep a close eye during those last minutes of grilling.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: I sometimes tweak the brown sugar and marmalade if my citrus feels extra tart, so trust your palate and remember you can always add, not subtract.
- Brush in Stages for Maximum Glaze: Applying half the glaze before grilling and the rest right after takes this recipe from tasty to next-level in appearance and flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the grilled salmon for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A thin slice of lime or lemon on the side adds visual appeal and gives anyone the option to add a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are simple and fresh: grilled asparagus or zucchini tossed in olive oil and sea salt, a crisp garden salad, or fluffy quinoa for a wholesome touch. When I’m feeling indulgent, buttery garlic mashed potatoes never disappoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this salmon on a bed of mixed greens with edible flowers and thin citrus slices fanned around the plate—it instantly elevates the meal and makes it feel festive without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the salmon cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that eating the next day keeps the flavors fresh and the texture almost as good as right off the grill.
Freezing
While I prefer to enjoy this salmon fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. From experience, frozen grilled salmon reheats okay but loses a bit of its fresh texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the salmon. Alternatively, warming it in a skillet with a splash of water and covering it briefly works well if you’re short on time.
FAQs
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Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time for this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before thickening and using it. This can actually improve the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
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What if I don’t have cedar planks for grilling?
No worries! You can simply oil your grill grates well to prevent sticking. While the cedar planks add a subtle smoky flavor and help retain moisture, the salmon will still be delicious without them.
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Is this recipe suitable for beginners new to grilling salmon?
Definitely! This Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe uses straightforward steps and forgiving cooking times, making it a great entry point for anyone learning to grill fish. Just watch the salmon closely to avoid overcooking.
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Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend thawing the salmon completely and patting it dry before marinating and grilling. This ensures even cooking and a better final texture.
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How long can leftover grilled salmon be kept in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers should be good for 2 to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor will start to decline.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit—whether I’m cooking for busy weeknights or entertaining friends who rave about the flavor. What I love most is how the fresh citrus melds so beautifully with the grill’s subtle smokiness, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get perfect salmon that tastes like you spent hours on it. Trust me, once you grill this, it’ll be your go-to salmon recipe for years to come.
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Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Triple Citrus Salmon features tender salmon fillets marinated and glazed with a vibrant blend of orange, lemon, and lime juices combined with orange marmalade, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Grilled to perfection on cedar planks or a well-oiled grill, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that create a deliciously flaky and juicy salmon experience.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon filets
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, orange marmalade, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined, creating a flavorful citrus marinade.
- Thicken the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry. Slowly add this to the marinade mixture in the saucepan while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside half of the marinade for glazing later.
- Prepare the Salmon for Grilling: Lay the salmon filets skin side down on cedar planks or a well-oiled grill grate. Season each filet with salt and pepper. Brush half of the prepared marinade generously over the tops of the salmon fillets to infuse them with flavor.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, applying indirect heat if using cedar planks to prevent burning.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled salmon filets to serving plates. Brush the reserved marinade over the top of each filet for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and tangy grilled salmon.
Notes
- This salmon recipe is infused with a bright lemon, lime, and orange marinade that gives it a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Using cedar planks helps impart a subtle smoky and woodsy aroma to the salmon, but a well-oiled grill works well too.
- Brush the salmon with the marinade both before and after grilling for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Make sure to watch grilling time closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the salmon.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 (6-ounce) salmon filet with glaze
- Calories: 142 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 771 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
