Elegant Salmon Marinade Recipe by Ina Garten for Special Dinners

A tantalizing salmon marinade can turn an ordinary fillet into a gourmet sensation that sparks culinary excitement.

Vibrant, zesty ingredients pirouette across the palate, weaving an enchanting flavor profile.

Bold umami whispers emerge from meticulously selected elements that embrace salmon’s delicate essence.

Aromatic Mediterranean-inspired seasonings breathe life into every tender morsel.

Seasoned cooks recognize the transformative power of strategic marinating techniques that unlock hidden taste dimensions.

Simple yet sophisticated ingredient alchemy elevates home cooking from mundane to magnificent.

Let’s craft a seafood masterpiece that dazzles dinner guests and satisfies the most discerning taste buds.

Must-Have Tools for Ina’s Salmon Marinade Prep

• Grill: Gas or charcoal with medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F).
• Grill Brush: For oiling the grill rack.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing salmon.
• Sharp Knife: To slice salmon into equal portions.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend marinade smoothly.
• Wide Spatula: For carefully flipping salmon on the grill.
• Serving Plate: To rest and present grilled salmon.

Instructions for Ina’s Flavorful Salmon Marinade

• Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat your outdoor cooker to a sizzling zone between 400-450°F. Brush the grates with a light coating of oil to keep delicate fish from clinging during cooking.

• Prep the Ocean Treasure

Slice your salmon into even portions, maintaining the rich skin for extra flavor and moisture protection. Let the pieces rest at room temperature while preparing seasoning.

• Craft a Zesty Flavor Bath

Whisk together a quick marinade blending tangy mustard, savory soy sauce, fruity olive oil, and crushed garlic. This liquid magic will transform your seafood from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Marinate and Infuse

Generously coat salmon pieces with half the seasoning mixture. Allow the fish to soak up those robust flavors for 10-15 minutes, letting each morsel become a flavor powerhouse.

• Grill with Precision

Place salmon skin-side down on the heated surface. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, creating a beautiful golden crust. Flip carefully and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the fish flakes easily and looks opaque throughout.

• Final Flourish

Remove from heat and let the salmon rest briefly. Drizzle with remaining marinade for an extra flavor punch. Serve immediately, peeling away the skin before enjoying your perfectly grilled seafood feast.

Marinade Tips to Make Salmon the Ina Garten Way

• Quick Marinating Magic: Boost flavor absorption by scoring salmon skin with shallow diagonal cuts, allowing marinade to penetrate deeper and create more intense taste profiles.
• Temperature Timing Tricks: Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough edges while maintaining a tender, succulent center.
• Skin-On Salmon Secrets: Keeping skin attached during grilling helps protect delicate fish from direct heat, locks in moisture, and creates a crispy, delectable texture that separates easily from the flesh.
• Leftover Love Transformations: Repurpose grilled salmon into delicious salads, pasta dishes, or fish tacos by flaking cooled fish and mixing with fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a light vinaigrette for an instant meal upgrade.

Serving Suggestions for Ina’s Marinated Salmon

• Pair with Fresh Salads: Complement the grilled salmon with crisp, light green salads featuring mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette.
• Create Gourmet Plating: Arrange salmon on a white plate, garnish with fresh dill sprigs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for elegant presentation.
• Craft Balanced Side Dishes: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, quinoa pilaf, or grilled summer vegetables to enhance the salmon's rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Explore Wine Pairings: Match the salmon with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir to elevate the dining experience and bring out the fish's delicate nuances.

Keeping Ina’s Salmon Marinade Fresh for Later

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fish maintains its best quality when consumed within this timeframe.
• Preserve Flavor: Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent moisture loss and protect against absorbing other food odors.
• Smart Reheating: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its delicate texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the fish and compromise its tender quality.
• Freeze for Later: Package cooled salmon in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, frozen salmon remains delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Ina Garten’s Salmon Marinade

• Salmon: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon with vibrant color and firm texture, ensuring peak flavor and quality.

• Dijon Mustard: Select a high-quality, tangy mustard that adds depth and zesty complexity to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium variety to control salt intensity while maintaining rich umami flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust, fruity undertones and heart-healthy properties.

• Garlic: Select plump, firm garlic cloves with smooth, unbroken skin for maximum pungent flavor and freshness.

Elegant Ina Garten Salmon Marinade Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s salmon marinade combines zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Simple ingredients elevate this seafood recipe, making you crave its bright, refreshing flavors that complement the rich salmon perfectly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
• 6 tbsps olive oil (good quality)
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (good quality)
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk Dijon mustard, soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until smoothly combined, creating a flavor-packed base for the salmon.
2. Salmon Preparation: Slice the salmon fillet into four equal portions, keeping the skin intact, and generously coat with half the prepared marinade. Let the fish rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to absorb the rich flavors.
3. Grill Setup: Heat the grill to medium-high temperature and thoroughly oil the grating to prevent salmon from sticking. This ensures a perfect cooking surface and beautiful grill marks.
4. Initial Grilling: Place salmon pieces skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing a caramelized crust to develop and locking in the marinade’s complex flavors.
5. Final Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using a sturdy spatula and continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on the fish’s thickness and desired doneness.
6. Resting and Serving: Transfer grilled salmon to a serving plate, drizzle with remaining marinade, and let rest for 5-7 minutes. Optional: Remove skin before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a versatile culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Allow salmon to absorb marinade at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, maximizing flavor infusion without compromising food safety.
• Grill with Care: Position salmon skin-side down first to create a crispy exterior and prevent sticking, using well-oiled grates for perfect release.
• Resting is Crucial: Let grilled salmon rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring moist and tender meat with enhanced flavor complexity.
• Flexible Serving: Enjoy salmon warm, at room temperature, or chilled, offering versatile meal options that adapt to your preference and occasion.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 845 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 72 mg