Tender Grilled Salmon
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
2 hrs 5 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 13 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Tender Grilled Salmon
Description
Tender Grilled Salmon features skinless fillets seasoned with lemon pepper and soaked in a marinade mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, water or broth, cooking oil, garlic powder or fresh garlic, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. The marinade balances sweetness and saltiness, penetrating the salmon with flavor over 2 to 8 hours refrigerated.
Grilling over a medium flame, the salmon cooks about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness, achieving a flaky texture and opaque flesh. Using a flat metal spatula allows gentle flipping without breaking apart the fish. Alternately, baking or grilling in foil can be used after marinating.
This salmon works well as a main dish served alongside vegetables, grains, or salads. The marinade imparts a hint of sweetness offset by the lemon pepper and savory soy, creating a balanced profile that enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
Adjust seasoning preferences by limiting additional salt if desired. Properly cleaning and oiling the grill grates prevents sticking, and allowing excess marinade to drip off avoids flare-ups. Marinating longer results in more intense flavor but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent fish breakdown.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds salmon preferably skinless, fillets
- lemon pepper seasoning to taste
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or olive oil, generic cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder finely minced, or 2-3 cloves garlic
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Season salmon fillets on both sides with lemon pepper.
- In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water (or broth), oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until sugar is dissolved.
- Place the salmon in a large ziploc bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, coating the salmon evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Clean the grates well and lightly coat in oil. Grill the salmon (discarding excess marinade) for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque. Plan on about 10-14 minutes total cooking time for every inch of thickness (and add about 10 minutes for each additional inch). I find it's easiest to flip on the grill using a large, flat, metal spatula vs tongs so the salmon doesn't fall apart.
- Alternately, the salmon can be baked (or grilled in foil). After marinating, wrap each salmon fillet in a foil packet (I like to drizzle a tablespoon or so of marinade over the top before sealing the packet).
- Grill for about 15 minutes or bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes (again, exact time will depend on the thickness of the salmon).
Notes
- Including garlic powder or fresh garlic in the marinade adds depth beyond sprinkling on top.
- Salt added before marinating is optional and can be adjusted based on taste preference.
- Marinate salmon refrigerated for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Use a large, flat metal spatula when flipping on the grill to keep fillets intact.
- The recipe allows alternative cooking methods like baking or grilling in foil after marinating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 821mg | 34% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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