Orange Grilled Salmon
This Orange Grilled Salmon recipe delivers perfectly juicy and flavorful salmon with a bright citrus zing from fresh oranges. Grilled to perfection, it boasts a tender, flaky texture balanced by smoky char, making it an easy, healthy, and versatile dish suitable for any occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 thick, skin-on fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1–2 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), chopped
- Thin orange slices or zest curls
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This marinade will both flavor and tenderize the salmon.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to soak in without breaking down the fish too much.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. A properly hot grill ensures a nice sear and beautiful grill marks on the salmon.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra juiciness.
- Rest and Garnish: Once grilled, remove the salmon and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and thin orange slices for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon fillets that are firm, moist, and vibrant in color for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not marinate the salmon for more than 1 hour to prevent the citrus from breaking down the fish too much.
- Oil the grill grates thoroughly to avoid sticking and to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Use indirect heat for thicker fillets by searing first, then cooking slowly over a cooler part of the grill.
- Check doneness at around 4 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
- The marinade can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave with a splash of orange juice or olive oil to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: orange grilled salmon, citrus salmon, healthy grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, omega-3 salmon, gluten free salmon, summer grilling