Delicious & Easy Marinated Salmon: Baked or Grilled for a Flavorful Meal
Are you searching for a dependable and incredibly delicious salmon recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Favorite Marinated Baked Salmon recipe is a true gem – combining simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor into one dish. Whether you prefer to bake it for a hands-off approach or grill it for that smoky char, this versatile recipe has you covered. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
This particular salmon dish has been a staple in my kitchen for decades, a testament to its enduring appeal and foolproof results. Beyond its fantastic taste, it’s also naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor. Its origins trace back to an online magazine called Mom’s Voices, where it was first proudly published way back in 2003. Since then, it has delighted countless palates and proven itself as a go-to recipe for busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Why You Will Absolutely ❤️ This Easy Homemade Salmon Marinade
There are countless reasons why this marinated salmon recipe has earned its place as a cherished family favorite. From its health benefits to its sheer convenience, here’s what makes it truly special:
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: The beauty of this marinade lies in its simplicity. It calls for common pantry staples, meaning you won’t need to hunt for exotic items. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a balanced flavor profile that enhances the natural richness of the salmon.
- It Tastes Incredible – Universally Loved! This isn’t just a claim; it’s a proven fact! Over the years, this dish has consistently won over even the pickiest eaters, including a diverse array of international exchange students who have graced my family’s dinner table. The blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, with just a hint of spice, creates a harmonious flavor that appeals to almost everyone. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!
- Easy Peasy, Yet Tastes Gourmet! Don’t let the sophisticated flavor fool you – preparing this salmon is incredibly straightforward. With minimal prep time and a simple cooking process, you can achieve a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss, or for entertaining when you want to impress without being stuck in the kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly for Stress-Free Meals: Life gets hectic, and having delicious, healthy options ready to go is a game-changer. This recipe excels in its make-ahead capabilities, allowing you to marinate the salmon hours in advance or even freeze it for future meals. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a gourmet dinner within reach.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is renowned for its outstanding health benefits, particularly its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. It’s also an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins D and B12, and various minerals. By choosing this recipe, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal, but also nourishing your body with essential nutrients.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the crispy skin and tender interior of baked salmon or the distinct smoky flavor and grill marks of grilled salmon, this marinade adapts beautifully to both methods. You can choose based on your preference, equipment, or even the weather!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Marinated Salmon
Crafting this unforgettable salmon begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for each:
- Salmon Fillets (2 pounds, cut into 4 pieces): When choosing salmon, look for bright, vibrant color and firm flesh. You can opt for Atlantic, Sockeye, Coho, or Chinook salmon – all work wonderfully with this marinade. Cutting it into 4 roughly equal portions ensures even cooking and easier serving. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its flavor and nutritional profile, but responsibly farmed salmon is also a great option.
- Ingredients for the BEST Homemade Salmon Marinade: This marinade is where all the magic happens!
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds a rich, fruity flavor but also helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking and aids in the caramelization process, creating a beautiful crust.
- Soy Sauce (2 Tbsp): This provides a foundational savory, umami flavor and a pleasant saltiness. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute with tamari or coconut aminos, both readily available in most grocery stores.
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 Tbsp): The balsamic vinegar introduces a delightful tang and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the soy sauce. Choose a good quality balsamic for the best depth of flavor.
- Brown Sugar (2 tsp): A touch of brown sugar contributes to the marinade’s sweetness and helps create that beautiful, slightly caramelized glaze on the salmon as it bakes or grills. It also balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic kick that is essential to the marinade’s overall profile. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or pre-minced jarred garlic, though fresh is always recommended for superior flavor.
- Spices for Depth and Warmth:
- Ground Ginger (3/4 tsp): Adds a warm, slightly spicy, and aromatic note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp): For those who appreciate a gentle warmth and a subtle kick. You can easily adjust this amount – use less for a milder dish or increase it if you love a spicier experience.
- Dry Mustard (1/4 tsp): A secret weapon in many marinades, dry mustard adds a subtle pungency that enhances the overall savory notes and helps to emulsify the marinade.
- Sea Salt (1/8 tsp): While soy sauce provides saltiness, a pinch of sea salt can further enhance the flavors and ensure the salmon is perfectly seasoned. Adjust to taste.
How to Make My Favorite Marinated Salmon (Baked or Grilled): A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this salmon is incredibly simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:
- 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 sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar has dissolved and all ingredients are well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in a large, sealable plastic bag (such as a Ziploc bag) or a shallow, non-reactive dish with a lid. Pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bag, gently massage the marinade around the fish.
- Refrigerate for Flavor: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor penetration and tender texture, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating for much longer than 2-3 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can begin to “cook” the fish, altering its texture.
- Prepare for Cooking: Once marinated, remove the salmon from the refrigerator. Discard the excess marinade – it’s crucial not to reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw fish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps create a better sear or crust during cooking.
- Cook to Perfection (Baked or Grilled):
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the marinated salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon easily flakes with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. A good rule of thumb is 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
- For Grilling: If you’re opting for the grill, lightly oil your grill grates or use a specialized fish basket to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the fish basket or directly on the oiled grates, skin-side down. Grill for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning halfway through cooking. You’re looking for nice grill marks and for the thickest part of the fish to flake easily with a fork.
Brilliant Make-Ahead Meal Prep Salmon Tip!
Throughout different phases of life, especially when my house was bustling with kids and even international exchange students, efficient meal planning and prep became indispensable. Satisfying a diverse range of taste preferences and hunger levels required smart strategies, and this Favorite Marinated Salmon quickly became one of my most reliable and beloved easy dinners.
My go-to method involved buying two really large pieces of salmon from the grocery store, often from places like Costco, which offer excellent value for bulk purchases. As soon as I got home, I’d whip up a quadruple batch of this marinade. Then, I’d take each of the large salmon pieces and cut them into two more manageable fillets, resulting in four substantial portions. Each portion, along with a quarter of the generously prepared marinade, would then be sealed into separate freezer bags.
This allowed me to freeze three of these marinated salmon bags for later use, while one would immediately go into the refrigerator, ready to be cooked that very night or the following day. When I craved salmon again, the process was seamless: I’d simply pull one of the pre-marinated 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 permeated with flavor, ready to pop into the oven for just 10-15 minutes. This strategy dramatically cut down on last-minute meal stress.
I typically paired this flavorful salmon with a simple yet satisfying spread: a fresh green salad, hearty baked potatoes, or some crisp steamed broccoli. Sometimes, it was all three! This make-ahead approach not only saved precious time but also ensured a healthy, gourmet-tasting meal was always just minutes away, even on the busiest of evenings. It’s a meal prep hack I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking to simplify their weeknight cooking.
Absolutely! Grilling This Salmon is a Fantastic Alternative!
Yes, this marinade is incredibly versatile and works beautifully on the grill, imparting a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sweet and savory notes. If you choose to grill your salmon, here are some expert tips for perfect results:
First, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the delicate fish from sticking. You can apply a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil directly to the grates. For easier handling and to keep the salmon intact, I highly recommend using a specialized fish grilling basket. This allows you to flip the salmon easily without it breaking apart.
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Place the marinated salmon fillets into the fish basket or directly onto the prepared grates. Grill for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness. For instance, if your salmon fillet is one inch thick, it will likely take about 10 minutes to cook through. Make sure to turn the salmon halfway through the grilling process to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on both sides. The salmon is perfectly cooked when its thickest part just begins to flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can dry out quickly on the grill.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Marinated Salmon
This versatile marinated salmon pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, fluffy steamed rice or quinoa, roasted asparagus, or grilled vegetables. Lemon wedges are always a welcome addition, as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with baked potatoes or sweet potato fries. Its rich flavor also makes it a perfect candidate for flaking into tacos or topping a vibrant grain bowl.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Every Time
- Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating adds flavor, salmon is delicate. Limit marinating time to 2-3 hours to prevent the acid in the vinegar and soy sauce from “cooking” the fish and making it mushy.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: For the best sear and crispy skin (if baking skin-on), always pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels after removing them from the marinade. Excess moisture inhibits browning.
- Monitor Doneness: Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to dry very quickly. Use a fork to gently test the thickest part of the fillet; it should flake easily but still look slightly translucent in the very center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Salmon: Just like meat, salmon benefits from a brief rest (2-5 minutes) after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fillet.
- High Heat for Quick Cook: Whether baking or grilling, high heat for a shorter duration is key to cooking salmon quickly and preventing it from drying out.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Should you have any delicious leftovers, store the cooked and cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through. You can also use a microwave on a low setting, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry it out. Leftover salmon is also excellent flaked cold over salads!
Looking for More Irresistible Salmon Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with salmon and are eager to explore more ways to prepare this fantastic fish, I encourage you to try one (or all!) of these other delicious recipes:
- Salmon Piccata Pasta (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
- Candied Jalapeno Salmon Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
- Harissa Salmon Patties
- One Pan Pistachio Salmon
- Jamie Oliver-Inspired Tomato Chorizo Salmon
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. Your feedback is invaluable, and 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 (you can substitute garlic powder or jarred garlic if needed)
- 3/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (less if you don’t like spice)
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for non-stick cooking and easy cleanup.
- Whisk Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until thoroughly combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Marinate Salmon: Pour the marinade mixture into a large, sealable plastic bag or a shallow container with a lid. Add the uncooked salmon fillets, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or container.
- Refrigerate: Place the salmon in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 3 hours to maintain optimal texture.
- Remove from Marinade: Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and remove the fillets from the marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
- Cook Salmon:
- If baking: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the thickest part flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- If grilling: Lightly oil your grill grates or use a fish basket. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place salmon in the basket or directly on grates. Grill for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning halfway through (approximately 5 minutes per side), until it flakes with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C).
Notes