Description
This salmon marinade recipe offers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that enhance the natural taste of salmon without overpowering it. Featuring extra-virgin olive oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce, honey, and spices, this easy marinade is perfect for baked salmon fillets but can also be used with other fish like mahi-mahi or tuna, and even chicken breast. The marinade requires minimal active time and yields tender, flavorful salmon with a slightly flaky texture.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 (5-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place 4 skin-on salmon fillets (5 ounces each) in a large zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade into the bag, seal it tightly after pressing out excess air, and gently shake to evenly coat the salmon. Lay the bag on a plate and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade, shaking off any excess (discard remaining marinade). Place the fillets skin-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle each fillet with ¼ teaspoon salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is slightly flaky and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125°F (51.5°C).
- Rest and Serve: Tent the salmon loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the salmon moist.
Notes
- The marinade can also be used for other fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, or even chicken breast for versatile flavor.
- Do not over-marinate to avoid breaking down the fish texture; 10 to 15 minutes is ideal.
- Salmon is best when baked to medium rare (125°F internal temperature) for optimal moisture and flakiness.
- Use skin-on fillets to help keep the fish moist and easier to handle during cooking.
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean