22 Delicious Salmon Marinade Recipes for Perfect Flavor

Updated by Louise Cutler on October 8, 2025

Kick your salmon dinners up a notch with these 22 mouthwatering marinades! Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, we’ve got the perfect flavor combinations to make your meal unforgettable. From zesty citrus to savory herbs, these recipes are sure to become your new go-tos. Ready to transform your kitchen? Dive in and discover your next favorite dish!

Lemon Dill Salmon Marinade

Lemon Dill Salmon Marinade
Bold flavors meet effortless elegance with this lemon dill salmon marinade. Transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes—perfect for grilling or baking.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure even marinating.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour marinade over salmon, coating all sides thoroughly.
  5. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes—no longer to avoid the acid “cooking” the fish.
  6. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F while salmon marinates.
  7. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  8. Grill salmon skin-side down for 6-8 minutes, or bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  9. Rest salmon for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Wonderfully flaky and infused with zesty lemon and aromatic dill, this salmon boasts a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Serve it over a bed of quinoa with roasted asparagus, or flake it into tacos for a fresh twist—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Maple Soy Glazed Salmon

Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
Bold flavors meet easy prep in this sweet-savory salmon. Glaze it up with maple and soy for a restaurant-quality dish at home. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– 1/2 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the salmon fillets.
5. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Brush remaining glaze over salmon during the last 3 minutes of baking.
7. Let salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Moist and flaky with a glossy caramelized crust, this salmon balances sweet maple with umami soy. Serve over quinoa with steamed broccoli for a complete meal, or flake into tacos with slaw for a fun twist.

Ginger Lime Marinade for Salmon

Ginger Lime Marinade for Salmon
A game-changer for your salmon nights—this zesty marinade delivers bold flavor in minutes. Get ready to transform that fillet into a restaurant-worthy dish without the fuss.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 2 tbsp grated ginger
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb salmon fillet

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp olive oil until fully combined.
2. Place 1 lb salmon fillet skin-side down in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it coats all sides evenly.
4. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
5. Tip: For even marinating, flip the salmon halfway through the refrigeration time.
6. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F while the salmon marinates.
7. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
8. Tip: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispier exterior when cooking.
9. If grilling, place the salmon skin-side down on the preheated grill grates; if baking, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
11. Tip: Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature early—salmon continues to cook slightly after removal from heat.
12. Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Ridiculously tender and flaky, this salmon bursts with tangy lime and warm ginger notes. Serve it over a bed of quinoa with steamed veggies, or flake it into tacos for a fresh twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Honey Mustard Salmon Marinade

Honey Mustard Salmon Marinade
Kickstart your dinner game with this sweet-tangy salmon marinade that transforms basic fish into a flavor bomb. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes—this allows flavors to penetrate without breaking down the fish’s texture.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the edges are slightly crispy.
7. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
Unbelievably flaky and moist, the salmon boasts a caramelized glaze with a perfect balance of sweet honey and sharp mustard. Serve it over a bed of quinoa with steamed asparagus for a complete meal, or flake it into tacos with a crunchy slaw for a fun twist.

Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Marinade

Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Marinade
Nailing weeknight dinners just got easier with this flavor-packed salmon marinade. Grab your ingredients and let’s transform that fish into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

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Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic
– 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley
– 1 tsp fresh dill
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Mince 4 cloves garlic finely and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon fresh dill.
2. Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat for 2 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to melted butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
5. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
6. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, coating all sides.
7. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
10. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place skin-side up in skillet.
11. Sear salmon for 3 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
12. Flip salmon using a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes.
13. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
14. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Let this garlic herb butter salmon shine with its flaky texture and rich, aromatic flavors. Serve it over a bed of quinoa or with roasted asparagus for a complete meal that impresses without the fuss.

Sesame Soy Salmon Marinade

Sesame Soy Salmon Marinade
A sesame soy salmon marinade that transforms your weeknight dinner in minutes. Grab your ingredients and let’s make magic happen—this one’s going viral for a reason.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a bowl until fully combined.
2. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes—this allows the flavors to penetrate without over-marinating.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Discard the used marinade for food safety—never reuse marinade that has touched raw fish.
7. Bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
8. While baking, toast 1 tbsp sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, shaking frequently to prevent burning.
9. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 3 minutes—this allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.
10. Sprinkle baked salmon with toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving.

Hearty and glossy, this salmon boasts a perfect caramelized crust with tender, flaky interior. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice with quick-pickled cucumbers, or flake it into grain bowls for next-level lunch prep.

Citrus Herb Marinade for Grilled Salmon

Citrus Herb Marinade for Grilled Salmon
Grab your salmon and get ready to level up your grill game with this zesty marinade. Bold flavors meet simple prep in minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp orange juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp orange juice until fully combined.
2. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the bowl, stirring to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, ensuring they lie flat without overlapping.
4. Pour the marinade over the salmon, coating each fillet thoroughly on both sides.
5. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion—avoid over-marinating to prevent the citrus from breaking down the fish.
6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for 400°F, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
8. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill, cooking for 4-6 minutes until the flesh becomes opaque and easily releases from the grates.
9. Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula, grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork—this ensures perfect doneness without dryness.
10. Transfer the grilled salmon to a clean plate and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Flaky and moist, this salmon boasts a bright citrus kick balanced by earthy herbs. Serve it over a bed of quinoa with extra lemon wedges, or flake it into tacos for a fresh twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Balsamic Brown Sugar Salmon Glaze

Balsamic Brown Sugar Salmon Glaze
Viral-worthy and ridiculously easy, this balsamic brown sugar salmon glaze transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences.

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
4. Brush half of the glaze mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
5. Place the salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
7. Brush the remaining glaze over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
8. Let the salmon rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
The glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky salmon. Serve it over a bed of quinoa or alongside roasted asparagus for a complete meal that feels effortlessly fancy.

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Spicy Sriracha Honey Marinade for Salmon

Spicy Sriracha Honey Marinade for Salmon
Make your salmon sizzle with this fiery-sweet glaze that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Master the heat with just four pantry staples—perfect for weeknight dinners that taste anything but basic.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup sriracha
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sriracha, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp olive oil until fully combined.
3. Place 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush the marinade generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, reserving half for basting later.
5. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
6. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Brush the reserved marinade over the salmon halfway through cooking for an extra glossy finish.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Unleash a sticky, caramelized crust that gives way to flaky, tender fish beneath. Serve it over a bed of coconut rice to balance the heat, or chop it into tacos with crunchy slaw for a textural twist that’s downright addictive.

Teriyaki Salmon Marinade

Teriyaki Salmon Marinade
Sizzle up your dinner game with this sweet-savory teriyaki salmon marinade. Transform ordinary fish into a sticky, glossy masterpiece in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cloves minced garlic
– 1 lb salmon fillets
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic in a bowl until fully combined.
2. Place 1 lb salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes—no longer to prevent the acid from overcooking the fish.
4. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
5. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.
6. Place salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
7. Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
9. Brush the glaze over the salmon fillets before serving.

Effortlessly elegant, this salmon boasts a caramelized crust and tender, flaky interior. Drizzle any extra glaze over steamed rice or roasted veggies for a complete meal that balances umami depth with a hint of sweetness.

Rosemary Lemon Marinaded Salmon

Rosemary Lemon Marinaded Salmon
FLAVOR-BOMB alert! This rosemary lemon marinaded salmon is your new weeknight hero—zesty, herbaceous, and ready in minutes. Forget boring fish; this one’s juicy, bright, and totally Insta-worthy.

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring full coverage.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate—marinating longer than 1 hour can make the texture mushy.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the edges are lightly crispy.
7. For extra browning, broil on high for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
8. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.

Every bite delivers flaky, moist salmon with a punch of citrus and earthy rosemary. Serve it over quinoa for a healthy twist or alongside roasted veggies—it’s a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Miso Ginger Salmon Marinade

Miso Ginger Salmon Marinade
Let’s transform that salmon into a flavor bomb with this miso ginger marinade. Level up your weeknight dinner in minutes—this sticky-sweet glaze caramelizes perfectly under high heat.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup white miso paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
– 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Place 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets skin-side down in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, coating evenly.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration—avoid over-marinating to prevent the acid from cooking the fish.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush the top of each fillet lightly with 1 tbsp neutral oil to promote browning.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the edges are caramelized—check doneness by flaking with a fork; it should be opaque but moist.
8. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Outrageously tender with a crisp, sweet-savory crust, this salmon pairs brilliantly with steamed jasmine rice and quick-pickled cucumbers. The umami depth from miso and zing from fresh ginger make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile for meal prep as it is for impressing guests.

Pineapple Jalapeño Salmon Marinade

Pineapple Jalapeño Salmon Marinade
Hate boring salmon? This pineapple jalapeño marinade transforms it into a sweet-spicy sensation that’ll blow up your feed. Get ready to sear, sizzle, and serve the most vibrant fish of your life.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 jalapeño, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb salmon fillet
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 minced jalapeño, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a medium bowl.
2. Place 1 lb salmon fillet in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring full coverage.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for optimal flavor infusion without overcuring the fish.
4. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to promote even searing.
5. Season both sides of the salmon with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until droplets of water sizzle upon contact.
7. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the surface.
8. Place salmon skin-side up in the skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
9. Flip salmon using a spatula and cook for another 3–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
10. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Expect flaky, moist salmon with a caramelized exterior that gives way to a tangy-sweet heat. Serve over cilantro-lime rice or stuff into tacos with crunchy slaw for a textural masterpiece.

Smoky Chipotle Lime Salmon Marinade

Smoky Chipotle Lime Salmon Marinade
You need this smoky, zesty salmon in your life. Fire up the grill and let’s make magic happen—it’s seriously addictive.

Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until fully combined.
2. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor—do not marinate longer to avoid the lime juice “cooking” the fish.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
6. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes, until the flesh easily releases from the grates.
7. Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and grill for another 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Gorgeously charred and flaky, this salmon bursts with smoky heat from the chipotle and a bright lime kick. Serve it over a grain bowl with avocado and black beans, or stuff into tacos for a next-level dinner.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Marinade

Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon Marinade
Kickstart your dinner game with this sweet and smoky salmon that transforms weeknight meals into restaurant-worthy moments. Brown sugar caramelizes into a glossy glaze while bourbon adds depth—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients

– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Place 4 salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes—no longer, as the acid in the bourbon can start to “cook” the fish.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Discard the used marinade for food safety, as it contained raw fish juices.
7. Bake the salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the edges are slightly crispy.
8. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the hot salmon right after baking to brighten the flavors.
9. Let the salmon rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Witness the magic: the salmon emerges flaky and tender with a caramelized crust that balances sweet and savory notes. Serve it over a bed of quinoa with extra lemon wedges, or flake it into tacos for a fun twist—either way, it’s a showstopper.

Conclusion

Zesty and flavorful, these 22 marinades will transform your salmon into a culinary masterpiece! We hope you try these recipes and find your new favorite. Share your thoughts in the comments and pin this article on Pinterest to save for your next dinner inspiration. Happy cooking!

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