This grilled salmon is coated in a flavorful marinade then grilled until golden brown. A super easy dinner option that will earn you rave reviews! This salmon can also be baked, broiled or pan seared.
My grill is one of my favorite cooking devices, I regularly make grilled chicken tenders, steak kabobs and this sweet and savory grilled salmon.
There are so many different ways to prepare salmon – it can be baked, broiled, pan seared, steamed, you name it. In my opinion, the best recipe for this fish is grilled salmon, especially when there’s a flavorful marinade involved!
How do you make grilled salmon?
This recipe starts with a simple marinade that includes olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, herbs and spices. The salmon should marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours. The salmon can then be removed from the marinade and placed on the grill. Grill your fish until it’s done, then serve with lemon wedges and enjoy.
How do you know when salmon is done?
Salmon is cooked through when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily from the fillet. If you’re not sure that the salmon is done, you can use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature. If the temperature of the salmon is at least 145 degrees F, then the salmon is ready to eat. You want to be sure not to overcook your salmon as it can get tough and dry.
Tips for grilled salmon
- This marinade can be made up to 3 days before you plan to use it. Simply store the marinade in the fridge until you’re ready to add your salmon.
- You can use other types of seafood in this marinade such as halibut, swordfish, shrimp and scallops.
- You can use the marinade to flavor small salmon fillets, or try marinating a larger side of salmon. If you’re planning to cook a large piece of salmon, I’d recommend cooking it in foil since it will be difficult to flip on the grill.
- I typically grill my salmon outdoors when the weather is nice, and indoors on a non stick grill pan on cold days. Either way will work just fine!
How to keep fish from sticking to the grill
If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that your salmon does not stick to the grates.
- Make sure your grill grates are super clean. If there are bits of old food left on the grilling surface, the salmon will be more likely to stick.
- Coat your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the salmon on the grill. You should also add a little extra oil to the surface of your salmon for added insurance that it will not stick.
- Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the salmon.
IS SALMON HEALTHY?
Salmon is a great choice for a healthy diet. It’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Salmon is full of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B12, potassium and selenium. Salmon is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which have numerous health benefits.
This grilled salmon is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to company. It’s one of my all time favorite ways to enjoy salmon!
More great salmon recipes
- Salmon Foil Packets
- Greek Salmon Salad
- Salmon with Avocado Salsa
- Salmon Teriyaki
- Honey Garlic Salmon
Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
- 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
- Place the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later use. Add the garlic to the bowl.
- Add the salmon and marinade to a resealable freezer bag and seal. Shake to coat the salmon with the marinade.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and scrape off any excess bits of herbs or garlic (otherwise they could burn on the grill!).
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. If you're using an outdoor grill, be sure to thoroughly coat your grill grates with vegetable oil.
- Add the salmon fillets and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until salmon is opaque throughout.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the salmon fillets, then serve.
Chris says
First I’d like to say that I’m a huge fan of Dinner at the Zoo recipes. I’m a mom of 2 who has a similar cooking style and enjoys trying new recipes from this site. The salmon was very flavorful. Love the choice of ingredients. Definitely a keeper. However the ratio of oil to flavorings was a bit much. I increased all of the other ingredients . It was amazing…and no issues with it sticking to the grill
Renee says
The flavor on this salmon was fantastic!
Kita Bradley says
I love this recipe. Took salmon to work and my employees begged me for piece. I gave one of them a small bite. Now the company want me to make a big tray of it…. lol it was that good. Thanks
Sidney Lewis says
My very first time grilling Salmon and let me tell you, my wife was blown away! Thanks, this was an absolute keeper recipe!
Dana says
This is a keeper for sure! Perfect blend of flavors
Brad says
This was fantastic! Whole family enjoyed and went back for more and we are not fish people at all. More of a steak and chicken family. Thanks for the recipe!
Julianne says
Fantastic flavor — I used this marinade on a 1.2 pound filet of wild Sockeye salmon from Alaska, marinated it for about 1 1/2 hours, then grilled it without flipping it. I also used a tsp of dried thyme instead of 2 tsp of fresh (because I did not have any) and it turned out really well. I will definitely be making this frequently!
Tim Truttschel says
This is the best salmon marinade recipe I have tried. The flavors really mixed well and complimented my salmon fillets. Thanks for sharing this recipe! The only thing I did different was eliminated the 3/4 teaspoon salt (trying to lower my sodium intake). It was still delicious! Definitely a keeper!