Salmon Marinade

Every dish deserves a little love and attention, and this salmon marinade is no exception. Elevate your next dinner with a touch of sweetness, a hint of tang, and a burst of umami.

 

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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Soy sauce and salmon go hand in hand, such a beautiful combination. The saltiness of the soy pairs so well with the fatty richness of the salmon. Add to that Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and garlic you have a marinade that’s bursting with flavor yet simple and sophisticated.

Salmon is a great vessel for infusing flavors, try this Easy Teriyaki Salmon or this Pressure Cooker Salmon with Creamy Herb Parmesan Sauce. In a hurry? Try this easy Marinated Air Fryer Salmon or Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Ingredients

• Soy Sauce – Adds depth and saltiness. You could also use Tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Dijon Mustard – Provides a slight tang and complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. Try honey mustard for a sweeter flavor.
• Light brown sugar – Brown sugar lends a gentle sweetness and helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce. Use maple syrup or honey as another sweetener option.
• Minced Garlic – Adds another layer of richness with an aromatic punch. Try minced ginger or a mixture of both for a slight spice with a zesty flavor.
• Parsley or green onion – For garnish
• Salmon – The best salmon is fresh salmon.

Tools needed for this recipe

• Small bowl
• Whisk

How To Make A Salmon Marinade

Whisk soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic, in a bowl.

Pour over salmon fillets, making sure all fillets are covered. Refrigerate and marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Cook according to your preference. Garnish with parsley or green onions.

Suggested cooking times:

Air Fryer – cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for

Oven – cook at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.

Grill – grill on medium-high heat for about 12-15 minutes.

How to store your salmon marinade

Storing a salmon marinade properly is crucial to preserve its freshness and prevent any contamination.

1. Before Mixing with Salmon:
   • If you’ve made the marinade but haven’t used it on the salmon yet, transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. After Mixing with Salmon:
   • Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw fish unless it is cooked first to kill any harmful bacteria.
   • If you wish to use the marinade as a sauce or glaze, set some aside before adding the salmon.
3. For Longer Storage:
   • You can freeze unused marinade (that hasn’t touched raw fish) in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top freezer bag.
   • Frozen marinade can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Choosing the right cut of salmon

Salmon comes in various cuts, and each has its distinct texture and flavor. Whether it’s a meaty king salmon steak, or a delicate sockeye filet, knowing the difference can elevate your dish.

Consider the thickness of your salmon cut when marinating and adjust the marinating times accordingly. Thicker cuts will benefit from a longer marinade to soak up those flavors.

More ways to season your salmon

Salmon Seasoning – My Homemade Salmon Seasoning can be mixed up in just 5 minutes. As well as being really easy to make, it tastes better than any store-bought mix. Use this dry salmon rub immediately, or mix up a bigger batch and store some for later, when you want to add an extra punch of flavor to your favorite salmon dish.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon – All cooked in one pan, it’s ready to serve in less than 20 minutes and the rich sauce is loaded with flavor.

Homemade Fish Seasoning – Add some flavor to your fish dinners with this simple homemade fish seasoning. Made with a blend of dried spices and herbs, it’s a great addition to your pantry and so easy to make!

Homemade Blackening Seasoning – Homemade blackened seasoning is simple to make, combining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder and garlic powder, with dried thyme & oregano. It’s really easy to make a big batch too, ready to use with a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables.

Jerk Fish – One of the best fish to jerk is snapper, as it is a large, meaty fish that takes on the flavor and grills well on the BBQ. I marinate whole fish in my homemade Jamaican jerk marinade for at least four hours for maximum flavor.

FAQ’s

Notes

• Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary can also be added to the marinade for an added layer of flavor.
• Adjust the marinating time depending on the thickness of your salmon. Thicker cuts need a longer soak.

Looking for more mariande recipes? Try these out:

• Jerk Marinade
• Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
• Homemade Browning Sauce
• Spicy Mayonnaise

 If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!