Five Salmon Marinades

If you’re like me and love salmon but need some variety, these five marinades will be your new go-to. From zesty Greek flavors to sweet maple mustard and spicy chipotle, I’ve got all the flavor combos covered! Bonus: they’re freezer-friendly, so meal prep just got a whole lot easier. Let’s get into it!

Teriyaki Salmon Marinade

Who doesn’t love a classic teriyaki salmon? This marinade brings together all the flavors we crave: a touch of sweetness, that perfect umami, and a little kick from ginger and garlic. To make it, simply mix together ginger paste, garlic paste, light brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir in some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Once your marinade is ready, add two salmon filets into a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and then freeze.

How to Enjoy:

Once thawed, you can pan-sear, grill, bake, or air fry this teriyaki salmon to perfection. I love serving it with steamed rice and a side of sautéed veggies like bok choy or broccoli.

Variations & Tips:

Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like heat. If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can use any neutral oil, but sesame adds that signature nutty flavor.

Greek Lemon & Herb Marinade

This marinade is super fresh and vibrant! Think of it as a Greek salad but for your salmon – lemon, garlic, and all the herbs come together for the perfect zesty bite. To prepare this marinade, whisk together olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and dried oregano in a bowl. Then, add some Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste. After everything is mixed well, add two salmon filets into a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and then freeze.

How to Enjoy:

This one is amazing grilled, baked, or air fried and served with roasted potatoes or a simple couscous salad. I like to squeeze a little extra lemon on top before serving.

Variations & Tips:

If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried versions work great; just reduce the amount. You can swap Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard for a little texture.

Maple Mustard Marinade

For those who love a sweet and tangy flavor profile, this maple mustard marinade is going to be your new best friend. It’s simple but SO flavorful, and it caramelizes beautifully when cooked. To make it, combine maple syrup, Dijon or yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference. Once mixed, add two salmon filets into a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and then freeze.

How to Enjoy:

This salmon is delicious roasted in the oven, pan-seared, or air fried until it’s got a nice caramelized crust. Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad.

Variations & Tips:

For a little heat, add a dash of cayenne or chili powder. If you want a more savory twist, use a grainy mustard.

Chipotle Adobo Marinade

Smoky, spicy, and full of flavor, this chipotle adobo marinade brings the heat in all the right ways. Perfect for those who love bold flavors. To prepare, mix olive oil, adobo chipotle paste, fresh garlic, and chili powder in a small bowl. Add salt, coriander, oregano, cumin, and black pepper, stirring until well combined. Then, add two salmon filets into a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and then freeze.

How to Enjoy:

Thaw and grill, bake, or air fry for that extra smoky flavor. I love serving this with a side of cilantro lime rice and avocado slices.

Variations & Tips:

If you want it spicier, add more chipotle paste or some fresh jalapeño slices. You can swap the adobo paste for a smoked paprika-based rub if you want to tone down the spice.

Hot Honey Harissa Marinade

This marinade has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, thanks to the harissa and honey combo. It’s a little smoky, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. To make this marinade, combine olive oil, harissa, finely minced garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in parsley, cilantro, paprika, coriander, cumin, and salt, then add honey to taste and mix until smooth. Finally, add two salmon filets into a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and then freeze.

How to Enjoy:

This one is perfect roasted, grilled, or air fried and pairs really well with couscous or quinoa. I like to drizzle a little extra honey on top just before serving for that final touch of sweetness.

Variations & Tips:

If you don’t have harissa, you can use a mix of paprika and red pepper flakes for heat. For extra smoky flavor, try adding a little smoked paprika.

How to Prepare & Enjoy These Salmon Filets

Once you’re ready to enjoy your salmon, thaw the filets overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water if you’re in a rush. You can cook the salmon by baking it at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, grilling it on medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, pan-searing for 3-4 minutes per side, or air frying at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked. Pair your salmon with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also use these marinated salmon filets for meal prep by cooking them ahead and enjoying them over the next few days.

Tips for Success

• Freezer Storage: Store the salmon flat in the freezer for even freezing and easy stacking. These will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: For best results, thaw your salmon in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can place the Ziploc bag in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to play with the ingredient ratios for each marinade. Whether you prefer more garlic, less salt, or an extra squeeze of lemon, it’s all about making the recipe yours!

Now you’re ready to stock up on these flavor-packed salmon filets for any night of the week. Trust me, they make weeknight dinners a breeze! Let me know which marinade is your favorite, or if you’ve got a go-to flavor combo of your own!

Craving More Salmon Recipes? Try These Out!

• Volcano Salmon
• Marry Me Salmon
• Sweet & Spicy Salmon Bowls
• BBQ Salmon Tacos

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