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Orange Grilled Salmon

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Marinade

  • 4 thick, skin-on fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 12 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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