The Best Marinated Salmon Recipe: Baked or Grilled for a Flavorful, Easy Meal
Are you searching for a tried-and-true salmon recipe that delivers on flavor, convenience, and health? Look no further! This Favorite Marinated Baked Salmon recipe is not just simple, fast, and incredibly delicious, but it’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you prefer the tender flakiness of baked salmon or the smoky char of grilled salmon, this marinade works perfectly for both, ensuring a fantastic meal every time. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
This particular salmon dish holds a special place in my culinary repertoire, having been a go-to recipe for decades. It first graced the pages of an online magazine called Mom’s Voices way back in 2003, and its timeless appeal has kept it a family favorite ever since. It’s the kind of recipe that consistently impresses, making it a staple for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Why You Will ❤️ This Easy Homemade Salmon Marinade
There are countless reasons why this marinated salmon recipe has garnered such immense popularity and why it continues to be a household favorite:
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t find any exotic or hard-to-find items here. This exquisite marinade relies on everyday pantry staples like olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a few key spices. This simplicity means you can whip it up anytime without a last-minute grocery run, making healthy eating effortlessly achievable.
- Incredible Flavor That Pleases Everyone: The magic of this marinade lies in its perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and tangy notes, with a hint of warmth from ginger and red pepper flakes. My picky taste testers, ranging from family members to international exchange students, have all universally adored this dish. It’s a flavor profile that truly transcends cultural palates and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
- Effortlessly Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, preparing this salmon is incredibly straightforward. With minimal prep time and quick cooking, it transforms into an elegant dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate weeknight warrior recipe that doesn’t sacrifice quality for speed.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Life gets busy, and having delicious, healthy meal options ready to go is a game-changer. This recipe shines in its make-ahead capabilities, allowing you to marinate the salmon hours or even days in advance, or freeze it for future meals. This flexibility makes it perfect for meal prepping and stress-free entertaining.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. By baking or grilling it with this light, flavorful marinade, you’re creating a wholesome meal that supports a healthy lifestyle without added heavy creams or butters. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body.
- Incredibly Versatile: Not only can you bake or grill this salmon, but the marinade itself is adaptable. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking – add more heat, a squeeze of lemon, or different herbs to make it uniquely yours. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from simple salads to complex grain bowls.
Ingredients Needed for Your Perfect Marinated Salmon
To create this irresistible salmon dish, you’ll need two main components: high-quality salmon and the flavorful homemade marinade. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients.
- Salmon:
- 2 pounds of salmon: Ideally, choose a thick cut for best results, like a center-cut fillet. You can purchase one large fillet and cut it into four individual portions (approximately 6-8 ounces each), or buy pre-portioned salmon. When selecting salmon, look for vibrant color, firm flesh, and a fresh, mild smell. Wild-caught salmon often has a richer flavor and color, while farmed salmon is typically fattier and milder. Both work wonderfully in this recipe. Ensure the skin is on, as it helps keep the salmon moist during cooking and adds flavor, though you can easily remove it after cooking if preferred.
- Ingredients for the BEST homemade salmon marinade:
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our marinade, helping to tenderize the fish and carry the flavors. It also contributes healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Soy Sauce: This ingredient provides a crucial salty, umami depth. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce is also a great choice for those monitoring their salt intake.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a delightful tang and a subtle sweetness that brightens the entire marinade. Choose a good quality balsamic for the best flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements, and helps create a beautiful caramelization on the salmon’s surface during cooking. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even use maple syrup for a slightly different sweet note.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the most potent and aromatic flavor. However, for convenience, you can absolutely substitute with garlic powder (about 1/2 teaspoon per clove) or jarred minced garlic.
- Spices – a blend that creates magic:
- Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic kick that pairs exceptionally well with salmon and the other marinade ingredients.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle warmth and a gentle building heat. You can adjust the quantity to your personal spice preference – reduce for milder, increase for more kick!
- Dry Mustard: This secret ingredient adds a tangy, pungent depth that elevates the flavor profile without being overtly mustardy. It beautifully complements the other spices.
- Salt: A pinch of sea salt (or kosher salt) is essential to enhance all the flavors in the marinade and season the salmon thoroughly.
How to Make My Favorite Marinated Salmon (Baked or Grilled): A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this delicious marinated salmon is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients – olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, dry mustard, and salt. Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon pieces into a large, sealable plastic bag (like a freezer bag) or a shallow dish with a lid. Pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently massage the bag to distribute the marinade evenly.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the salmon for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating for much longer than 2-3 hours, as the acidity in the balsamic vinegar can start to “cook” the fish, altering its texture.
- Prepare for Cooking: Once marinated, remove the salmon from the refrigerator. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat.
- Cook the Salmon:
- For Baked Salmon: Place the salmon pieces on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon. A good indicator of doneness is an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For Grilled Salmon: For best results and to prevent sticking, place the salmon in a fish grilling basket. This makes flipping much easier. Place the basket on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning halfway through. So, for a 1-inch thick fillet, grill about 5 minutes per side. Cook until the thickest part of the fish flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven or grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Salmon Tip!
Meal prepping with this marinated salmon recipe is an absolute lifesaver, especially during busy periods. At one point in my life, with a house full of growing kids and two international exchange students, feeding everyone with diverse taste preferences required significant planning and strategic meal prep. This Favorite Marinated Salmon became one of my most cherished easy dinners for its deliciousness and incredible freezer-friendly qualities.
Here’s how I would often maximize this recipe for meal prep: I would purchase two very large pieces of salmon (often from a bulk store like Costco). As soon as I got home, I’d whip up a quadruple batch of this amazing marinade. I’d then cut each large salmon piece into two, resulting in four substantial fillets. Each fillet would go into a separate freezer-safe baggie, and I’d divide the quadruple batch of marinade evenly among the four bags, ensuring each piece was well-coated.
Three of these marinated salmon portions would go straight into the freezer for future meals. The remaining portion would be placed in the refrigerator, ready to be cooked that night or the following day. When I wanted to enjoy salmon again, I would simply pull one of the frozen marinated salmon bags from the freezer in the morning and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator throughout the day. By dinnertime, the salmon would be perfectly thawed and ready to pop into the oven, cooking in just 10-15 minutes. This quick and easy method meant a healthy, gourmet-tasting dinner was always within reach, often paired with a simple side salad, some fluffy baked potatoes, or perfectly steamed broccoli.
This meal prep strategy not only saves a tremendous amount of time on busy evenings but also ensures you have healthy, homemade options at your fingertips, preventing the temptation of less healthy takeout. It’s a true testament to the versatility and convenience of this marinated salmon.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon
Achieving perfectly cooked salmon every time is simpler than you might think with a few key tips:
- Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinades add flavor, salmon is a delicate fish. Marinating for more than 2-3 hours can cause the acidic ingredients (like balsamic vinegar) to start “cooking” the fish, resulting in a mushy texture. 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: For crispy skin and better searing, gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before placing them in the oven or on the grill. This removes excess moisture and promotes a better crust.
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven or grill is fully preheated to the specified temperature. This is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desired flaky texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Salmon is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium, meaning it’s still slightly translucent in the center. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat (carryover cooking). Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. The easiest way to check is when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest the Salmon: Just like with other proteins, letting the salmon rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and tender.
- Use Parchment Paper or Foil: When baking, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil makes for super easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Can I Grill This Salmon Instead? Absolutely!
Yes, absolutely! Grilling this marinated salmon is an excellent alternative to baking and imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and beautiful char. It’s especially fantastic during warmer months. The same marinade works perfectly for grilling, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Tips for Grilling Success:
- Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill to a medium-high heat. A hot grill helps prevent sticking.
- Clean and Oil Grates: Ensure your grill grates are clean. Lightly brush them with a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) to further prevent sticking.
- Use a Fish Basket: As mentioned, a fish grilling basket is highly recommended. It cradles the salmon, making it incredibly easy to flip without the delicate fish breaking apart.
- Skin-Side Down First: If not using a basket, place the salmon skin-side down directly on the oiled grates. The skin acts as a natural barrier, protecting the flesh from overcooking and helping it stay together.
- Cooking Time: Grill for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness. For example, if your salmon fillet is 1 inch thick, grill for about 5 minutes per side. Cook until the thickest part of the fish just flakes easily with a fork, or an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.
- Don’t Peek or Press: Resist the urge to constantly lift or press down on the salmon. Let it cook undisturbed to develop a good sear and release naturally from the grates.
Serving Suggestions for Your Marinated Salmon
This versatile marinated salmon pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Grain Sides: Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or a flavorful pilaf to soak up any extra marinade juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, or a medley of bell peppers and zucchini complement the salmon wonderfully. Their slight char and tender-crisp texture are a perfect match.
- Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, or a more substantial pasta salad are all excellent choices.
- Potatoes: Classic baked potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted potato wedges offer a comforting side.
- Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is always a welcome addition to sop up the flavorful sauce.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
Storage and Reheating Leftover Salmon
Properly storing and reheating leftover salmon ensures it stays delicious for future meals:
- Storage: Allow cooked salmon to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat salmon without drying it out is gently.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) on a low setting, covered, until just warm. Be careful not to overcook.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Serving Cold: Leftover salmon is also excellent served cold in salads, sandwiches, or flaked over pasta.
Looking for More Delicious Salmon Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with cooking salmon, you’re in luck! There are so many fantastic ways to prepare this healthy and versatile fish. Explore some of my other favorite salmon creations for more culinary inspiration:
- Salmon Piccata Pasta (dairy-free, gluten-free) – A light and zesty pasta dish featuring flaky salmon.
- Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa – A vibrant and exciting blend of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors.
- Harissa Salmon Patties – A unique and flavorful twist on traditional salmon patties with a kick.
- One Pan Pistachio Salmon – An incredibly easy and elegant meal with minimal cleanup.
- Jamie Oliver-Inspired Tomato Chorizo Salmon – A hearty and robust dish packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
If you tried this Marinated Baked Salmon or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I LOVE hearing from you! 🙂
Favorite Marinated Salmon
Kelly Kirkendoll
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon, cut into 4 pieces
The Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to make this gluten-free)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute garlic powder/jarred garlic)
- 3/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200°C) if baking. Prepare your grill for medium-high heat if grilling.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients (olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, dry mustard, and sea salt) until well combined and sugar is dissolved.
- Place the salmon pieces in a large, sealable plastic bag or a shallow container with a lid. Pour the marinade mixture over the uncooked salmon, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Refrigerate the salmon in the marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 3 hours to maintain optimal texture.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard used marinade.
- If baking: Place salmon skin-side down on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the thickest part flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).
If grilling: For best results, place salmon in a grill basket. Grill on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness (e.g., 5 minutes per side for 1-inch thick fillets), or until the thickest part of the fish flakes with a fork (internal temperature 145°F/63°C). - Let the cooked salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of heat.