Easy Salmon Marinade Recipe

Most of my favorite meat recipes start with a good marinade. And I love experimenting with different ingredients to create new flavors, especially during grilling season! Here are some of our go-to marinades that you’ll definitely want to try: pork chop marinade, shrimp marinade, and chicken marinade!

What Ingredients are in Salmon Marinade?

You’re going to love how easy this salmon marinade recipe is! It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Just check the recipe card below for all the exact measurements.

Soy Sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the marinade that enhances the taste of the salmon. Lemon Juice: A little acidity is a must in marinades. It provides fresh flavor and also helps to tenderize the salmon. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Ensures the marinade coats the salmon completely while adding plenty of moisture. Honey: The sweetness from the honey balances the savory flavor from the soy sauce. Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the salmon with an incredible savory taste! Fresh Parsley: Love adding fresh herbs for depth of flavor. Salmon: This marinade makes enough to fully coat 2-3 pounds of fresh salmon.

How to Make Salmon Marinade and Cook Salmon

Homemade marinade is super simple to make! All you have to do is mix all of the ingredients, and then add everything to a large ziplock bag! Below, you’ll find instructions for making the marinade and also 4 different ways to cook your salmon:

Choose Your Cooking Method

Switch up the Citrus: For a fun twist, try swapping the lemon juice with lime or orange juice. Each one adds its own unique zing! Change the Herbs: Feel free to mix in different herbs like rosemary, thyme, cilantro, or dill. Fresh herbs are great, but if you’re using dried, go with 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh. Alternative for Soy Sauce: If you need to switch out the soy sauce, go for gluten-free or low-sodium soy sauce, or try liquid aminos for a similar taste. Make it Spicy: Craving some heat? Add a pinch or two (or more, if you like it hot) of crushed red pepper to spice things up. Sweetener: Honey does a great job balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce, but you can swap it with brown sugar or agave. If you need to skip the sweetener, that’s okay too—just know it adds a nice touch!

In the Refrigerator: Your homemade marinade will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if you keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. But be careful! Once the marinade has been in contact with raw meat or fish, you’ll need to toss it out to avoid any food safety issues. In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze your marinade. Just pour it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag, and it will keep for 3-6 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.