The Best Ina Garten Salmon Marinade Recipe for Perfect Fish

A robust salmon marinade transforms ordinary fish into a culinary masterpiece that tingles taste buds with tantalizing flavors.

Bright, zesty ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the delicate protein.

Rich umami notes emerge from carefully selected components that complement salmon natural characteristics.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse depth and complexity into each succulent bite.

Professional chefs understand how strategic marinading techniques can dramatically enhance seafood’s inherent qualities.

Strategic ingredient combinations work magic, turning simple preparations into memorable dining experiences.

Confident home cooks can easily replicate restaurant-quality results with this straightforward technique: dive into deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

• Amplify Flavor Depth: Let the salmon soak in marinade for up to 30 minutes, allowing herbs and seasonings to deeply infuse into every delicate layer of the fish.
• Boost Freshness Factor: Crush raw garlic cloves instead of using pre-minced varieties to release more robust, bright aromatics that transform the overall taste profile.
• Verify Cooking Precision: Grab a reliable meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches exactly 145°F, ensuring perfectly tender and succulent results without risking dryness.
• Elevate Final Touch: Splash fresh lemon juice right before serving to introduce a zesty brightness that cuts through the salmon's rich, buttery texture and awakens all underlying flavors.
• Select Superior Ingredients: Choose high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal odor to guarantee the most delectable marinade experience.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

• Cool Down First: Let salmon reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain its delicate texture. Spread salmon on a plate, allowing air circulation and quick cooling.
• Airtight Storage: Transfer cooled salmon to a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a sheet of parchment paper between salmon pieces to prevent sticking and preserve individual flavors.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date and consume within 3 months for optimal taste and quality.

Creative Variations on Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

• Citrus Salmon Splash: Replace soy sauce with fresh orange and lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor profile that enhances the salmon's natural richness.
• Asian-Inspired Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh ginger, green onions, and cilantro to the original marinade for an aromatic and complex taste experience.
• Spicy Smoky Salmon Strategy: Mix in some sriracha sauce and smoked paprika to create a bold, fiery marinade that brings intense depth and heat to the fish.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate chopped rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine instead of soy sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired salmon preparation that feels elegant and fresh.

Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade: A Flavorful Twist on Fish

Salmon marinades emerge as culinary magic, transforming ordinary fish into extraordinary dining experiences.

Ina Garten’s recipe unlocks rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across palates with remarkable complexity.

Marine herbs and zesty mustard create symphonic notes in each tender morsel.

Grilling techniques ensure perfect caramelization while preserving delicate salmon textures.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results in home kitchens.

Whether craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning an elegant gathering, this salmon marinade delivers unparalleled taste sensations that spark conversations, inspire social media sharing, and leave guests requesting seconds – so grab those ingredients, fire up that grill, and let culinary magic begin!

Why Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade Elevates Your Fish Dish

• Unlock Explosive Flavor Fusion: The marinade blends Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic, creating a tangy, savory coating that transforms ordinary salmon into a gourmet sensation.
• Master Quick and Easy Grilling: This recipe takes only 34 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings without requiring complex cooking skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: The salmon can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, offering flexibility for different meal preferences and occasions like casual family dinners or elegant summer parties.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

• Salmon: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich flavor and tender texture. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.

• Dijon Mustard, Soy Sauce: Tangy condiments that add depth and umami to the salmon. Choose smooth, high-quality versions for best results.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, neutral oil that helps combine marinade ingredients and adds richness. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh, aromatic ingredient that enhances overall marinade flavor. Choose firm, fragrant cloves without sprouting.

• Charcoal Briquettes or Gas Grill: Cooking surface for achieving perfect salmon char and flavor. Clean grill grates ensure better cooking results.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents salmon from sticking to grill rack. Neutral oils with high smoke points work best.
• Sharp Knife: Kitchen tool for precisely cutting salmon into equal pieces. Ensures even cooking and professional presentation.
• Wide Spatula: Cooking utensil for safely and smoothly flipping salmon during grilling. Helps maintain fish's structural integrity.

How to Marinate Salmon with Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

Step 1: Ignite the Grill

Start heating your gas or charcoal grill. Use a grill brush to coat the rack with a thin layer of oil to prevent salmon from sticking. Aim for medium-high heat around 400°F to 450°F.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon Portions

Place salmon on a clean cutting board with skin side down. Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon crosswise into 4 equal pieces, keeping the skin attached to maintain moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 4: Infuse Salmon with Flavor

Pour half of the marinade directly over salmon pieces. Let the fish absorb the marinade for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows deeper flavor penetration.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place salmon skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving. Carefully flip using a wide spatula and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Cooking time depends on salmon thickness and desired doneness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer grilled salmon to a serving plate, skin-side down. Drizzle remaining marinade over the top. Let salmon rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Remove skin before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Ina Garten Salmon Marinade Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s salmon marinade elevates seafood with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic create a simple yet elegant coating that brings restaurant-quality elegance to home-cooked salmon.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds / 1.36 kilograms)

Liquid Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons good soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Aromatics:

• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill to medium-high heat, using either charcoal briquettes or a gas grill. Thoroughly coat the grilling grate with cooking oil to prevent the salmon from adhering during cooking.
2. Position the salmon fillet on a clean cutting surface with the skin facing downward. Carefully slice the fish into four uniform portions, maintaining the skin on each piece.
3. Create the flavor-enhancing marinade by whisking together Dijon mustard, soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and finely minced garlic in a small mixing bowl until the ingredients form a seamless, homogeneous mixture.
4. Generously coat the salmon pieces with approximately half of the prepared marinade. Allow the fish to absorb the flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
5. Carefully place the salmon portions on the preheated grill, positioning them skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.
6. Gently flip each salmon piece using a wide, sturdy spatula. Continue grilling for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting cooking time based on desired level of doneness and thickness of the fish.
7. Remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a clean serving plate. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the top, allowing the fish to rest for 5-7 minutes. This resting period helps distribute the juices and intensify the flavors.
8. Before serving, carefully separate the skin from the salmon if desired. The dish can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, offering versatile serving options.

Notes

• Leftovers transform beautifully into refreshing salads, sandwiches, or quick pasta dishes.
• Summer barbecues, casual weeknight meals, or elegant dinner parties become effortless with this recipe.
• Grilling skin-side down creates a crispy exterior while keeping the salmon incredibly moist and tender.
• Fresh salmon fillets with skin intact guarantee the most flavorful and succulent results.
• Dijon mustard and soy sauce combine to deliver a punch of tangy, umami-rich flavor in just minutes.
• Minimal marinating time means maximum taste without complicated preparation steps.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg