Zesty Grilled Lemonade Salmon with Charred Onions
Elevate your grilling experience with this Zesty Grilled Lemonade Salmon with Charred Onions. Combining the refreshing tang of lemonade with savory soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this dish promises a flavor explosion. The salmon fillets marinate to perfection, enhancing their natural taste while the onions and lemons on the grill add a delightful smoky char. Serve this dish as a bright and vibrant centerpiece for your next family gathering or summer barbecue. It’s simple to prepare, healthy, and thoroughly enjoyable, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemonade
1 cup (prepared, cold)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (low sodium recommended)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (plus more for drizzling)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (minced)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
lemon
1 (juice and zest of, plus 1 sliced for garnish)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
center-cut skin-on salmon fillets
1 1/2 lbs (cut into serving pieces)
red onion
1 (cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemonade, soy sauce, olive oil, minced ginger, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of the salmon fillets by making three shallow 1-inch incisions, being cautious not to cut through the flesh. Place the salmon and the red onion rounds in a spacious baking dish.
3
Pour the marinade over the salmon and onions, ensuring everything is well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, flipping the salmon and onions halfway through to allow even marination.
4
After marination, remove the salmon and onions from the dish, discarding the leftover marinade. Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium heat and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
5
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan and arrange the onion rounds and lemon slices around them. Allow everything to grill undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, forming a beautiful sear on the salmon.
6
Carefully flip the salmon, onions, and lemons, and continue grilling until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F) and the onions are soft and lightly charred, about 5 to 8 more minutes.
7
Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter and garnish with the grilled onions, lemon slices, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Lemonade Salmon?
It is a refreshing seafood dish where salmon fillets are marinated in a mixture of lemonade, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then grilled alongside red onions and lemon slices for a smoky, charred flavor.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
The salmon should be marinated for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Be sure to flip the salmon and onions halfway through the hour to ensure even flavor distribution.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemonade, soy sauce, olive oil, minced ginger, brown sugar, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Why do I need to score the salmon skin?
Scoring the skin with shallow incisions prevents the salmon from curling as it cooks and allows the marinade to penetrate the fish more effectively.
What is the recommended internal temperature for grilled salmon?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While the recipe calls for red onion for its color and sweetness when charred, you can substitute with yellow or sweet onions if preferred.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill pan?
Use a nonstick grill pan and drizzle it with a little olive oil before placing the salmon skin-side down.
Should I keep the leftover marinade?
No, you should discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw fish to ensure food safety.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of salmon works best for this recipe?
1 1/2 lbs of center-cut skin-on salmon fillets are recommended for the best texture and flavor during grilling.
Can I use bottled ginger instead of fresh?
Freshly minced ginger is recommended for the most vibrant flavor, but you can use ginger paste as a substitute if necessary.
Do I grill the lemon slices?
Yes, placing lemon slices on the grill pan adds a beautiful char and enhances the citrus flavor of the dish.
What should I use for garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with the grilled onions, charred lemon slices, fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for an outdoor grill?
Yes, while the instructions mention a grill pan, this recipe is excellent for an outdoor barbecue grill over medium heat.
How long does the salmon take to cook?
It typically takes 3 to 5 minutes on the first side and another 5 to 8 minutes after flipping, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
Why is brown sugar used in the marinade?
Brown sugar provides a hint of sweetness that balances the tang of the lemonade and help with the caramelization and charring on the grill.
What kind of lemonade should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of prepared, cold lemonade.
Is skin-on salmon necessary?
Skin-on salmon is preferred for grilling as the skin protects the delicate flesh from the heat and provides a delicious texture when seared.
How thick should the onion rounds be?
The red onion should be cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds so they hold together on the grill and char properly without falling apart.
What does 'center-cut' salmon mean?
Center-cut refers to the middle portion of the salmon fillet, which is usually more uniform in thickness, leading to even cooking.
Can I marinate the salmon for more than an hour?
Because of the acid in the lemonade, marinating for much longer than an hour may begin to 'cook' the fish (like ceviche) and change the texture.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a medium bowl, a whisk, a sharp knife, a spacious baking dish, plastic wrap, and a nonstick grill pan.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and this preparation uses fresh ingredients and grilling rather than deep frying.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While it will change the flavor profile to a 'limeade' style, the technique remains the same and would be a delicious variation.
How do I know when the onions are done?
The onions are ready when they are soft and have developed light char marks on both sides.
Should the grill pan be hot before adding the fish?
Yes, heat the grill pan over medium heat before adding the salmon to ensure you get a good sear immediately.
What flavor profile does the soy sauce add?
The soy sauce adds an 'umami' or savory depth that complements the acidity of the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating for the best results.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, the salmon can be grilled ahead of time and served cold over a salad or reheated gently, making it versatile for meal planning.