Description
Orange Grilled Salmon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness and zestiness of fresh oranges with tender, flaky salmon grilled to perfection. This recipe locks in moisture and enhances the fish with a bright citrus glaze and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon and Marinade
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together fresh orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. The marinade should be bright and fragrant, enhancing the salmon’s flavor.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to avoid altering the fish texture.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and to promote beautiful grill marks on the salmon.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness, basting occasionally with reserved marinade for moisture and a glossy glaze.
- Let It Rest: Remove the grilled salmon from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step helps juices redistribute within the fish, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best taste and texture.
- Do not over-marinate; citrus can begin to ‘cook’ the salmon if left too long.
- Keep the skin on the fillets while grilling for crispy texture and to protect the fish.
- Reserve some marinade before adding salmon for basting to avoid contamination.
- For flipping, use a thin fish spatula to prevent breaking the fillets.
- Medium-high heat is ideal to get a good sear without burning the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg