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Recipe cards with handwritten recipe for salmon marinade
This Salmon Marinade recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that enhances the natural richness of salmon with a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey or brown sugar, infusing the fish with bold flavor while keeping it moist and tender during cooking.
The marinade reflects common flavors found in Asian cuisines—particularly Japanese and Korean—thanks to the use of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame or citrus elements. However, the preparation method and simplicity also align it with Western-style grilling or oven-baking traditions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 394 kcal

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • ¼ cup Jack Daniels whisky (or preferred bourbon)
  • ¼ cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • ¼ cup Soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup Green Onion (chopped)

Salmon

  • 18 oz Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the whiskey, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves.
  • Stir in the chopped green onions.

Marinate the Salmon

  • Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  • Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for no more than 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the fish excessively.

Cook the Salmon

    Grilling Method:

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    • Remove the salmon from the marinade and let excess drip off.
    • Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if applicable.
    • Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

    Baking Method

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Place the salmon in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
    • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
    • Note: Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw salmon.

    Serve

    • Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates.
    • Garnish with additional chopped green onions or lemon wedges if desired.
    • Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

    Tips

    • Marinating Time: Do not exceed 2 hours of marinating to maintain the salmon's texture.
    • Cooking Doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
    • Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick, or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for added depth.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 37gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1166mgPotassium: 1051mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 442IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Marinade, Salmon
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