Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 Teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (plus more for topping)
- 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 (4-6 oz each) skin-on salmon filets
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon (1 hr): Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the salmon filets and gently turn to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Prep the grill: Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking, then brush them generously with olive oil. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 400°F and 450°F.
- Grill salmon (8-10 min): Place salmon on the grill flesh-side down and close the lid. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until you see clear grill marks and the fish releases easily from the grates. If it sticks, cook another 1-2 minutes until it loosens. Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the salmon skin-side down. Close the lid and continue grilling another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature registers 125-130°F and the flesh is slightly opaque, flaky, and firm to the touch.
- Rest salmon (5 min): Remove salmon from the grill onto a clean plate or cutting board. Allow it to rest for 2 to 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute and finish cooking. Before serving, brush with additional olive oil or melted butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.
Notes
- Marinate salmon for at least 1 hour for best flavor but no more than 8 hours to avoid breaking down the fish.
- Use a fish spatula or thin, flexible spatula to flip salmon gently to avoid breaking the fillets.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked salmon (125-130°F for medium doneness).
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the salmon skin-side down in a hot cast iron skillet on the stovetop.
- Leftover grilled salmon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in salads, sandwiches, or eaten cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American