Zesty Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon
Revitalize your weeknight dinners with this Zesty Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon recipe. Infused with the sweetness of honey and the warm heat of ginger, this marinade transforms fresh salmon fillets into a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love. The citrusy notes from the orange juice add a refreshing zing, perfectly balancing the richness of the salmon. With only a few minutes of preparation and a brief marinating time, you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Whether served alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to impress without taking up too much of your evening. Note that the chill time is not included in the cook time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange Juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled, preferably low-sugar)
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1/3 cup (Regular, can substitute with tamari for gluten-free option)
Honey
1/4 cup (Raw or processed, according to your taste preference)
Green Onion
1 stalk (Chopped finely)
Gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Fresh ginger, grated)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Salmon Fillets
1 1/2 lbs (Fresh or thawed, skin-on or skin-off)
Instructions
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1. Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray to prevent sticking before preheating the grill.
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2. In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, chopped green onion, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Whisk until homogenized.
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3. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting and refrigerate it to maintain freshness.
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4. Pour the remaining marinade into a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Place the salmon fillets inside, making sure to turn them to coat evenly with the marinade.
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5. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
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6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F to 400°F).
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7. Once the grill is hot, remove the salmon from the marinade, discarding the marinade used for marinating.
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8. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 5 minutes.
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9. Baste the salmon with the reserved marinade, then close the lid.
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10. Grill for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your liking, ensuring it flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon?
The main protein is 1 1/2 lbs of fresh or thawed salmon fillets.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of orange juice, low sodium soy sauce, honey, chopped green onion, grated gingerroot, and garlic powder.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
The salmon should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.
How often should I turn the salmon while it is marinating?
You should turn the salmon every 10 minutes to ensure the flavors penetrate the fish evenly.
What is the recommended grill temperature for this recipe?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray before preheating.
Should I save any of the marinade for later?
Yes, reserve 1/3 cup of the fresh marinade for basting before you put the raw fish in the rest.
What should I do with the marinade used for soaking the raw fish?
Once the salmon is removed for grilling, the used marinade should be discarded.
Which side of the salmon should be placed on the grill first?
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill first.
How long is the initial cooking time on the grill?
Cook the salmon skin-side down for about 5 minutes with the grill lid closed.
When do I baste the salmon?
Baste the salmon with the reserved marinade after the initial 5 minutes of grilling.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it is cooked to your liking and flakes easily with a fork.
What is the total grilling time after basting?
Grill for an additional 8-10 minutes after basting.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure it is fully thawed before marinating.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, if you substitute the soy sauce with tamari, the recipe can be made gluten-free.
What type of orange juice is best for the marinade?
Freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice is fine, preferably a low-sugar variety.
Can I use skinless salmon fillets?
Yes, the recipe works with either skin-on or skin-off fillets.
What type of honey should I use?
You can use raw or processed honey based on your personal preference.
Is fresh ginger necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot for the best flavor.
How many green onions are required?
You need 1 stalk of green onion, finely chopped.
Does the cook time include the marinating time?
No, the 30-minute chill time is not included in the active cook time.
What side dishes pair well with this grilled salmon?
It is delicious served alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of sweet honey, warm ginger heat, and citrusy orange notes.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, salmon is an excellent source of protein, and the recipe is tagged as high protein.
Can I cook this salmon in a shallow dish?
Yes, you can marinate the fish in either a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, honey, green onion, ginger, garlic powder, and salmon.
Why should I keep the reserved marinade in the refrigerator?
Storing the reserved basting marinade in the fridge helps maintain its freshness.
Is this recipe considered easy for a weeknight?
Yes, with quick prep and short cook times, it is designed as an easy weeknight meal.
Should the grill lid be open or closed while cooking?
The grill lid should be closed during both the initial and final cooking phases.