Grilled Salmon Recipe

Grilled salmon is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—juicy, flavorful, and ready in no time. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right at home. This recipe features a sweet-savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the salmon a smoky, golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this grilled salmon recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, short cooking time, and perfect results every time.
• Simple Ingredients: Everyday staples like soy sauce, honey, and lemon come together for incredible flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Juicy salmon with a glossy glaze that looks as good as it tastes.
• Versatile: Ideal for summer BBQs, weeknight meals, or elegant dinner parties.
• Unforgettable Flavor: A balance of savory, tangy, and sweet notes that make it stand out from ordinary grilled salmon.

Ingredients Needed

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on is best (about 150–180 g / 5–6 oz each)
• Olive oil, for brushing the grill and drizzling over salmon

For the Marinade (also used as sauce)

• 1/3 cup (85 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons honey (adds caramelized sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

For Serving (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, finely chopped
• Lemon slices for garnish and squeezing over the top

How to Make Grilled Salmon

Marinating

1. In a resealable bag or shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and garlic until well combined.
2. Add the salmon fillets and gently massage to coat them evenly in the marinade.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
4. About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the salmon from the fridge to let it come closer to room temperature—this ensures even cooking.
5. Take the salmon out of the marinade and set aside on a plate, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.

Preparing the Sauce

6. Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan.
7. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Transfer to a bowl or jug. Reserve part for basting and part for serving at the table.

Grilling

9. Brush the grill grates generously with oil, then preheat to medium (lower the heat slightly if your BBQ runs hot).
10. Lightly drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then place it on the grill flesh side down first (skin side up).
11. Grill for about 3 minutes, until golden marks appear. Carefully flip with tongs or a wide spatula.
12. Brush the top with the prepared sauce, close the lid, and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Baste once more halfway through.
13. Check the internal temperature:

• 50°C / 120°F for medium-rare
• 55°C / 130°F for medium

14. Remove from the grill and rest for 2 minutes before serving with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair your grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic butter rice. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon take it to the next level.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out.

Helpful Notes

• For extra smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to your grill before cooking.
• If you don’t have a BBQ, you can use a grill pan or even bake the salmon under the broiler for a similar caramelized effect.
• Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade.
• Always oil the grill grates well—this prevents sticking and keeps the salmon intact.

Conclusion

This grilled salmon recipe is a guaranteed hit—easy to prepare, packed with bold flavor, and versatile enough for both casual and special meals. The balance of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and savory soy makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to impress.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment and a star rating below! Don’t forget to share your delicious creation on Pinterest or Facebook—we’d love to see your version.
👉 What’s your favorite side dish to serve with grilled salmon? Share your ideas in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then pat dry before marinating to ensure the sauce sticks well.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Is grilled salmon freezer-friendly?

Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

Why is my salmon sticking to the grill?

This usually happens if the grill isn’t hot enough or not well oiled. Always preheat fully and brush the grates with oil before placing the salmon.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be slightly syrupy—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water to loosen it.