Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for marinating salmon, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Olive Oil – This is the base. I chose extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor. Regular olive oil or avocado oil both work for something more neutral. Maple Syrup – The star that makes my salmon marinade special! I usually use my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup, which tastes just like real maple syrup without the sugar. I tested the recipe with regular maple syrup as well and of course it works great. You can also substitute honey (or my zero sugar honey) instead. Lemon Juice – The acid helps to tenderize the salmon, plus the tang of citrus pairs very well with fish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled juice as a shortcut, try lime juice instead, or even use orange juice if you like extra sweetness. (I recommend reducing the amount of maple syrup a bit if you use orange juice, since it’s already sweet.) Fresh Herbs – I used dill and parsley, as these summer herbs work well on fish. Look for bright, leafy herbs that aren’t turning yellow. Dark green will have the most flavor. You could use dried herbs in a pinch (1/3 the amount of fresh), but for salmon fresh herbs work best. Garlic – Because I add it to everything. Use fresh minced garlic, or jarred to save a few minutes. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Salt is obviously a must for flavor, but did you know it also helps the salmon marinade penetrate into the fish? And although my recipe is not spicy, the black pepper balances everything out. Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
How To Make It
This grilled salmon marinade recipe is beyond simple: Simply mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl! I think this version with maple syrup makes one of the best salmon marinades, but you can also try these variations I’ve experimented with:
Asian – Omit the fresh herbs, and replace the maple syrup with honey. Add 3 tablespoons of coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon each of ground ginger and paprika. Lemon Garlic – Omit the maple syrup, increase the lemon juice to 1/3 cup, and add 2-3 extra cloves of garlic. You can also grate and add a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon zest.
How To Use Salmon Marinade
Transfer the marinade to a large zip lock bag or baking dish. Add the salmon, and move it around to coat evenly. Marinate the raw fish for 30 minutes. Then it’s time to cook! I’ve used this marinade for salmon in all the major ways. You can use it for my grilled salmon, pan seared salmon, baked salmon, or air fryer salmon recipes — just hop on over to those for cooking times!
Common Questions
How long to marinate salmon? I find that 30 minutes is the ideal time to marinate salmon, but you can go up to 60 minutes. The marinade will start to break down the fish, and if you marinate it for longer than an hour, it will turn into ceviche and then start to get mushy. Can you marinate salmon overnight? You can mix together the marinade a day or two in advance (I often do!), but wait to marinate the fish until right before cooking. Can you freeze salmon in marinade? No, don’t freeze salmon in the marinade, as it will surpass the 60 minute time limit. The acid will break down the salmon even if it’s frozen. Can you marinate frozen salmon? No, I don’t recommend it, for a couple of reasons. The fish won’t absorb much of the marinade until it starts to thaw. Then, it will do so unevenly as the inside is still frozen. Plus, the frozen fish may release extra moisture and dilute your marinade. How long do you cook the fish? This depends on the cooking method you use. Choose from one of my options in the section above.
What To Serve With Salmon
I usually serve my marinated salmon with a light side dish. Here are some of my favorite options:
Vegetables – I probably make salmon with roasted asparagus more than any other veggie, but it’s also perfect for a side of my roasted cauliflower or sauteed broccoli. Salads – When I served it for my pictures here, I just tossed some greens and radishes on a plate, and drizzled them with lemon vinaigrette. But salmon is also fantastic with my spring mix salad, sweet kale salad (my dressing uses ingredients very similar to this salmon marinade!), or fresh Israeli salad. Starches – Want a heartier side? Try my roasted potatoes, air fryer baked potato, or rice. I’ve also got lighter options with similar vibes — roasted rutabaga or cauliflower rice. Sauces – If you want to get fancy, drizzle your salmon with hollandaise sauce, pesto, or lemon butter sauce. But I don’t think it’s necessary here because the salmon marinade is already so flavorful!
Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info makes the following assumptions:
Using Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup. Sugar and carbs will be higher if you use regular. Only 1/4 of the marinade is included in the nutrition calculation, as a lot is discarded after marinating the salmon.
