Zesty Asian Grilled Salmon Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Magic

Sizzling summer nights call for a delectable salmon dish that brings Asian-inspired grilled salmon to your dinner table with effortless elegance.

Marinated in a vibrant blend of zesty ingredients, this recipe promises a burst of flavor that dances across your palate.

Fresh salmon fillets absorb rich, tangy notes that elevate a simple weeknight meal into a culinary adventure.

The marinade combines classic Asian seasonings that infuse the fish with deeply satisfying umami undertones.

Perfectly charred edges and a succulent interior make this dish a standout centerpiece for any gathering.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to master a restaurant-quality salmon recipe that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 4

Asian Grilled Salmon: Ingredient List

• Salmon Fillet: Succulent ocean treasure that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose wild-caught for richer flavor and firmer texture.

• Dijon Mustard, Soy Sauce: Flavor powerhouses that create tangy, umami foundation for the dish.
• Olive Oil: Silky binding agent that helps marinade cling to salmon and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile, select fresh cloves for maximum zest.

• Charcoal Briquettes or Gas Grill: Essential heat source for creating perfect salmon with delectable char marks.
• Cooking Oil: Protective layer preventing salmon from sticking, ensures clean grill release and beautiful presentation.

Cooking Tools for Asian Grilled Salmon

• Grill: Essential for achieving perfect char and smoky flavor on salmon.
• Charcoal briquettes or gas grill: Key for cooking salmon evenly and creating delicious grilled texture.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing and cutting salmon into equal pieces.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade components smoothly.
• Wide spatula: Crucial for carefully flipping delicate salmon without breaking.
• Plate: Required for resting and serving salmon after grilling.

Grill Instructions for Asian Grilled Salmon

• Grill Preparation

Create a hot cooking surface with charcoal or gas, ensuring even heat distribution. Lightly brush grill rack with oil to prevent fish from sticking.

• Salmon Sizing

Carefully divide salmon piece into manageable portions, positioning skin facing downward on clean cutting surface.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine zesty mustard, rich soy sauce, smooth olive oil, and aromatic garlic in a small mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until smoothly blended.

• Flavor Infusion

Generously coat salmon with half the prepared sauce mixture. Allow fish to absorb flavors at room temperature for short resting period.

• Cooking Process

Place salmon on hot grill with skin side down. Discard previously used marinade. Cook for several minutes on each side, turning gently with wide spatula. Aim for slightly undercooked center, as fish continues cooking during resting phase.

• Final Presentation

Transfer salmon to serving plate, skin side down. Drizzle remaining sauce over top. Let fish rest briefly, then remove skin. Serve at preferred temperature – warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Tips to Perfect Asian Grilled Salmon

• Enhance flavor penetration by piercing salmon with a fork before adding marinade, allowing deeper seasoning and more even taste distribution.
• Select wild-caught salmon with bright color and firm texture, ensuring superior quality and optimal grilling results.
• Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for adventurous palates seeking extra kick and complexity.
• Switch from grilling to oven-roasting at 425°F if outdoor cooking isn't possible, maintaining similar cooking time and marinade technique for consistent deliciousness.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145°F for food safety while preserving salmon's tender, moist texture.

Plating and Side Ideas for Grilled Salmon

• Serve Alongside Refreshing Sides: Pair the grilled salmon with a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw or cucumber salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the fish.
• Elevate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a bright, aromatic touch that complements the marinade's Asian-inspired profile.
• Create a Complete Meal: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a satisfying, well-rounded dinner experience.
• Present with Style: Plate the salmon on a warm platter, drizzling the extra marinade for a glossy, appetizing presentation that will impress dinner guests.

Asian Salmon Leftover Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Meal Prep: Grill extra salmon for easy lunch meal prep. Slice cold salmon over mixed greens or flake into grain bowls for a quick, protein-packed meal during busy workdays.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Reheat with Care: Warm salmon slowly at 275°F in the oven for 10-15 minutes to keep it moist. Avoid microwave reheating, which can toughen the delicate fish texture and compromise its delicious flavor.

Vibrant Barefoot Contessa Asian Grilled Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Asian Grilled Salmon recipe delivers bold Pacific Northwest flavors with minimal ingredients. Sesame, soy, and ginger create an elegant marinade that makes salmon shine for dinner guests you’ll surely impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 1.3 kg / 3 lbs)
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Ignite charcoal or set gas grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Lightly oil grill rack to prevent salmon from sticking.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, low-sodium soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Salmon Preparation: Slice salmon fillet into 4 uniform portions. Coat pieces with half the marinade, allowing flavors to infuse for 8-12 minutes at room temperature.
4. Initial Grilling: Place salmon skin-side down on preheated grates. Cook 4-5 minutes without moving to develop distinctive grill marks. Discard initial marinade to prevent contamination.
5. Finishing Cooking: Carefully flip salmon using a sturdy spatula. Grill an additional 3-4 minutes until fish reaches medium-rare (internal temperature 125°F), maintaining a slightly translucent center.
6. Serving: Transfer grilled salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle reserved marinade over the top for enhanced flavor. Allow to rest 8-10 minutes to redistribute moisture and relax proteins.
7. Final Presentation: Remove skin before serving. Enjoy salmon warm, at room temperature, or chilled, savoring the complex Asian-inspired marinade and perfectly grilled texture.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Reserve half the marinade for drizzling after grilling to intensify flavor without risking bacterial contamination from raw fish contact.
• Grill Temperature Precision: Maintain medium-high heat (375-400°F) to achieve perfect sear and prevent salmon from sticking or falling apart during cooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow salmon to rest 8-10 minutes after grilling, which helps redistribute juices and ensures tender, moist meat with optimal texture.
• Doneness Detection: Look for slightly translucent center and internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare salmon that remains succulent and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 60 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg