If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s juicy, full of flavor, and so easy to pull off, you’ve just found it. The Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want something fresh but fuss-free. I love how the tangy citrus zest brightens up the rich salmon, and the grilling adds that perfect smoky touch. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to salmon dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Zesty Flavor: The citrus marinade brings a bright, lively taste that pairs perfectly with the richness of salmon.
- Simple & Quick Prep: You can have this marinade ready and the salmon grilled in under 20 minutes after marinating.
- Great for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a grilling pro or a beginner, this recipe is easy to nail every time.
- Versatile & Adaptable: You can grill, bake, or pan-sear this salmon depending on your mood and equipment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here combine to create a marinade that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous, perfectly complementing the natural flavor of the salmon. Plus, almost everything is pantry-friendly, so no last-minute trips to the store!
- Salmon fillets: Opt for fresh, wild-caught if possible; it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: This is the base of your marinade, adding richness and helping the herbs stick to the fish.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy citrus and savory soy sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami depth—try to use low-sodium if you want to control saltiness.
- Lemon zest: The real citrus punch here—go for fresh lemon zest for the best aroma.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
- Parsley leaves: Fresh and chopped, they bring a fresh herbal note.
- Thyme leaves: Another fresh herb that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning enhances all the other flavors.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the marinade.
Variations
I love how easy it is to tweak this Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe to suit any mood or occasion. Feel free to fiddle with the herbs or swap in what you love—this recipe welcomes your creativity!
- Spicy Twist: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat, and my family can’t get enough of the kick.
- Herb Swap: When I don’t have thyme, fresh dill or basil work beautifully and offer a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep things gluten-free while still packing that savory punch.
- Oven-Baked Option: If grilling isn’t your thing, I’ve baked this at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, and it’s just as lovely and tender.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade Magic
Start by combining olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a good whisk until all the ingredients meld together into a shiny, fragrant marinade. I always reserve a tablespoon of this for later — it’s perfect for brushing on the salmon right before serving. Then, stir in the minced garlic last to keep its flavor bright and fresh.
Step 2: Marinade Time for the Salmon
Pop your salmon fillets into the bowl with the marinade, and use a spoon to gently coat them well on all sides. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. I sometimes let it marinate for up to 8 hours if I have time — the flavors really deepen, but even an hour is enough to make this spectacular.
Step 3: Prep Your Grill and Salmon
When you’re ready to grill, remove the salmon from the marinade, then carefully scrape off any bits of herbs or garlic. This little trick prevents any burnt garlic bits from ruining the flavor or sticking to your grill grates. If you’re using an outdoor grill, make sure to oil the grates well with vegetable oil so the salmon won’t stick. For indoor grill pans, a light brush of oil will do.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the salmon fillets on your preheated grill at medium-high heat. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. While still warm, brush on that reserved marinade—you’ll notice it adds a beautiful sheen and extra burst of flavor right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe
- Don’t Skip Scraping Off Herbs: I learned the hard way that herbs and garlic left on the salmon when grilling tend to burn and create bitter spots—scraping them off prevents this.
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Even though an hour is enough, I find marinating 4-6 hours really boosts the citrus and herb notes.
- Use a Fish Spatula: It makes flipping salmon on the grill super easy and reduces the chances of breaking the fillets.
- Let Salmon Rest Briefly: Rest the salmon for a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices and keep it tender.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the grilled salmon with a few fresh parsley leaves or even some thin lemon slices for a pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a slight crunch and nuttiness — it’s such a nice unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
My favorite pairings for this grilled salmon are simple and fresh. Think a light quinoa salad, grilled asparagus, or a crunchy cucumber and avocado salad. On busier nights, roasted baby potatoes or steamed green beans work beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the salmon on a wooden board with grilled lemon halves and a drizzle of extra marinade. Another fun idea is serving the salmon over a bed of citrus-infused couscous with edible flowers for a stunning, restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled salmon tastes great the next day if you store it properly. I wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They keep for up to 2 days without losing much flavor or moisture.
Freezing
I don’t freeze cooked grilled salmon often because the texture changes a bit, but if you want to, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover salmon gently in a 275°F oven wrapped in foil to avoid drying it out. It helps to brush on a little olive oil or reserved marinade to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish tough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before marinating and grilling. Fresh salmon is ideal for the best flavor and texture, but good-quality frozen salmon works well and is a great option to have on hand.
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How long should I marinate the salmon?
I recommend at least one hour to let the citrus and herbs soak in, but between 1 to 8 hours works perfectly. Just don’t marinate longer than 8 hours because the acidity in the citrus can start to “cook” the fish and change its texture.
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Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! This marinade is versatile enough for baking or broiling. Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily, or broil for a few minutes for a slightly charred finish.
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What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs give the best brightness and texture for this recipe, so I’d recommend keeping some on hand if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but actually comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The mix of fresh citrus, herbs, and that beautiful grilled char hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it easily wins over your family and friends just like it did mine. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Grilled Salmon with Citrus Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This grilled salmon recipe features fresh salmon fillets marinated in a savory blend of olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and garlic. The marinade infuses the fish with rich flavor before it is perfectly grilled to a juicy, tender finish. Ideal for a quick and delicious dinner that can also be adapted for baking, broiling, or pan searing.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 6 salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
- Reserve Marinade and Add Garlic: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the marinade in the refrigerator for basting later. Add minced garlic to the remaining marinade in the bowl.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets into the bowl with the marinade. Spoon the marinade over the salmon to coat evenly, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours for optimal flavor.
- Prepare Salmon for Grilling: Remove the salmon from the marinade, scraping off any excess herbs or garlic bits to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, coat the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Baste and Serve: Brush the reserved marinade over the grilled salmon fillets immediately after cooking, then serve hot.
Notes
- This grilled salmon is coated in a flavorful marinade and grilled until golden brown, making it a simple yet impressive dinner option.
- If you prefer, this salmon can also be cooked by baking, broiling, or pan searing instead of grilling.
- For best results, avoid leaving herb and garlic bits on the fillets before grilling to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Adjust marinating time according to your schedule, but do not exceed 8 hours to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (4-6 ounces)
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 627 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg
