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To make honey garlic grilled salmon, you will need: - 4 salmon fillets, skin on - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a yummy balance of sweet and savory. The honey adds a nice glaze. Garlic and ginger give it a warm, fragrant kick. The soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. If you don't have some ingredients, here are swaps to try: - Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweet flavor. - You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. - Coconut aminos works as a soy sauce substitute for a gluten-free option. - Grapeseed oil can substitute olive oil if needed. These options keep your dish delicious while fitting your pantry. When buying salmon, look for bright, shiny skin. Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Choose fillets with a clear, pink color and moist texture. Avoid any that look dull or have brown spots. If possible, buy wild-caught salmon. It often tastes better and is healthier. With these tips, you can choose the best salmon for your meal. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing your marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste This mix creates a sweet and savory flavor. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon. Make sure all fillets are coated well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer marinating gives more flavor. Next, get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat. This helps the salmon cook evenly. Before you place the salmon on the grill, oil the grill grates lightly. This step prevents sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil. Just be careful not to burn yourself! Now it’s time to grill! Carefully remove the salmon from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t move them around; let them cook and get nice grill marks. When they easily lift off the grill, it’s time to flip them. Grill the other side for 3-5 minutes. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. When it’s done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time keeps it moist. Serve each fillet hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for extra zest. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the best flavor, let your salmon marinate. I recommend at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for 2 hours. The honey and garlic blend well, and the salmon absorbs these flavors. Use fresh garlic and ginger; they offer the best taste. Always check the salt in your marinade. It should enhance, not overpower. Cooking times depend on the thickness of your salmon. For 1-inch fillets, grill for 5-7 minutes on one side. Flip and grill for 3-5 more minutes. If your fillets are thicker, add a few more minutes. A good tip is to look for the fish to flake easily with a fork. Serve your honey garlic salmon with fresh lemon wedges. They add a nice burst of flavor. I love pairing it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa also work well for a full meal. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and taste. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a lovely touch. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to infuse it with the delicious honey-garlic flavor. Grill Skin-Side Down: Start grilling with the skin side down to protect the delicate flesh of the salmon and achieve crispy skin. Check for Doneness: Use a fork to test if the salmon flakes easily. For medium doneness, the center should still be slightly translucent. Serve with Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the dish by serving with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of the salmon with different marinades. Here are some ideas: - Maple Mustard: Use maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy taste. - Citrus Herb: Mix orange juice, lime juice, and fresh herbs like thyme or dill. - Spicy Sriracha: Add sriracha sauce and a bit of lime for a spicy kick. Each marinade brings its own charm, helping you enjoy salmon in new ways. While grilling is great, you can also bake or pan-sear the salmon. - Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated salmon on a baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes. - Pan-Seering: Heat a pan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Cook salmon for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Both methods yield delicious results and keep the salmon moist. Serving sides can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options: - Grilled Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them alongside the salmon. - Coconut Rice: Cook rice with coconut milk for a creamy side. - Fresh Salad: Mix greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the salmon's sweet and savory flavors, making each bite delightful. Store leftover salmon in an airtight container. Make sure it is cool before sealing. Place the container in the fridge. Leftover salmon stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat salmon, use the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. For a skillet, add a small amount of oil over medium heat. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and tasty. If you freeze honey garlic salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Frozen salmon can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can use other fish. Tilapia, trout, or cod work well. Each fish has a different taste. Choose a firm fish so it holds up on the grill. Adjust the cooking time based on thickness. Thinner fish may cook faster. For the best flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes. You can marinate up to 2 hours. This gives the fish time to soak in the honey and garlic flavors. Don’t marinate too long or the fish may become mushy. The best way to check if salmon is cooked is to look for color. The flesh should change from bright pink to opaque. You can also use a fork to test it. If it flakes easily, it is done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. This blog post shared the best ways to make honey garlic grilled salmon. We explored essential ingredients, tips for fresh salmon, and marinating steps. I provided grilling techniques for flaky fish, serving ideas, and cooking times. You can even try variations like baking or using different marinades. Remember to store leftovers right and handle them safely. Making this dish can be fun and rewarding. Tailor it to your taste, and enjoy grilled salmon that’s bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Grilled Salmon

A delicious and flavorful grilled salmon recipe with a sweet and savory honey garlic marinade.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon, skin on
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, grated ginger, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each fillet is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  • Carefully remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes without moving them, until they easily release from the grill and have nice grill marks.
  • Flip the salmon and grill for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve each fillet hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours.
Keyword grilled, honey garlic, salmon, seafood