This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Salmon fillets are marinated in a sweet soy-garlic glaze that caramelizes on the grill, locking in the flavor while still being fork-tender and flaky.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Mild-flavored salmon gets a grilled glow-up with a sweet-savory glaze for big flavor.
- Skill Level: This recipe is easy to make. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a simple, flavorful grilled salmon dish.
- Recommended Tools: A meat thermometer is an invaluable kitchen tool and the best way to gauge whether salmon is cooked properly. It should read 145°F when cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Make and use all week in hot dishes or cold salads for energizing workday lunches.
Ingredient Tips for Grilled Salmon
- Salmon: Fresh or frozen (no need to thaw before marinating) salmon fillets, like Sockeye or Coho, are used in this recipe. Skin-on fillets are easier to grill and are extra flavorful. Be sure they are the same size and width for even grilling.
- Marinade: Oil and lemon juice work to tenderize the fish and help the seasonings absorb into the fillets. Brown sugar can be swapped out for maple syrup, honey, or a liquid sugar substitute like Lakanto (Monk fruit) syrup.
- Variations: Add some freshly grated ginger and red pepper flakes to build on the Asian-style flavors, or keep it basic and use a salmon rub or homemade Old Bay seasoning.
Storing Leftovers
- Unused marinade can be kept in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to a week (as long as it didn’t come in contact with raw fish). Use it for fish, shrimp, or grilled veggies.
- Keep leftover grilled salmon in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use leftovers in a frittata, in a summer pasta salad, or in a creamy seafood chowder.
- Cooled filets can be frozen by wrapping them in parchment paper and then transferring them to zippered bags for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Serve Salmon With…
Did you enjoy this Grilled Salmon recipe? Leave us a rating and comment below!
Grilled Salmon
This easy grilled salmon recipe features tender fillets marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection with a light caramelized glaze.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds salmon filets
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and garlic powder.
- Pour over salmon and allow to marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Place salmon, skin side down, onto the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes. Turn over and cook and an additional 5-7 minutes or until salmon reaches 145°F. Do not overcook.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Marinating: Keep salmon refrigerated while it’s marinating and always discard leftover marinade.
Oven: This can be baked at 450°F for 10 minutes and then broiled for 5 minutes.
Keep it from sticking: Preheat the grill and place a bit of oil on a piece of paper towel. Rub the paper towel on the grill grates until they are black and shiny. This will help keep the salmon from sticking.
If the salmon sticks when you try to flip it, it isn’t ready to flip yet. The salmon filets should release easily from the grill.
Temperature: Be sure not to overcook the salmon. It should be cooked to 145°F, I usually remove it from the grill a few degrees early as it will continue to cook as it rests.
Nutrition information includes 10% absorption of the marinade.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 257 | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 838mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Fish, Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
The 6th ingredient in the marinade calls for, “1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted.” Do we toast the oil before using or can we just use toasted sesame oil? Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes!
You are right, Terri! It should read toasted sesame oil. Enjoy.
I love salmon! This is a great recipe! Thanks.
I rarely buy salmon, not a big fish eater, but I found this recipe and decided it would be perfect for my smokeless indoor grill. And it was surprisingly delish! Paired it with parmesan baked tomatoes. The soy and brown sugar really make the sauce, it didn’t even need lemon. Sprinkled some sesame seeds and cayenne. So easy! Didn’t even bother to premix the sauce, just threw stuff on.
Thanks for trying our recipe, Kay! I am glad it turned out so well for you.
Number 4 of the instructions says to place salmon on the grill “skin side down.” SWP SN’s reply,
July 6, 2022, says “We place the salmon flesh side down then flip and cook skin side down.” Please clarify. Thanks!
Hi Terri! Thanks for asking! Our recipe was updated after that comment was made (I have gone back to update my previous response to ensure no further confusion). As listed in the recipe we recommend cooking skin side down then flipping. I hope that clears everything up!
Salmon is one of our favorite go to foods. This recipe is simple, easy to follow for anyone and is always delicious..
I am so happy to hear you love this recipe Kasey!
Am trying this tonight. So when you grill do you grill skin side up first? Thank you love your recipes
Hi Despina, we place the skin flesh side down then flip and cook skin side down.
I cook skin side down first to get crisp
I never marinade anything with lemon or lime (acidic) in metal.
I made this and it was good
Have yet to try it but it looks delicious
How do you think this marinade will work with chicken.I love salmon, my wife hates fish espcially salmon. So I could cook chicken as well with the marinade. Thoughts?
I think it would work James. I’d suggest adding it during the last 15 minutes of grilling. That’s a great idea to both enjoy what you love! Enjoy!
Thank you Michelle!!
Thanks Adrianne! I hope you love the recipe if you get a chance to try it!
Grilled salmon is perfect at this time of year with a light salad.
I agree Dannii! Love salad with this salmon recipe!
The marinade sounds absolutely perfect! I love salmon and always looking for new ways to prepare it!
I hope you enjoy this recipe when you try it Tisha!
I love to cook salmon directly on the grill. I’m going to try your marinade.
I hope you love it Jere!