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Orange Grilled Salmon

Orange Grilled Salmon

A quick and vibrant Orange Grilled Salmon recipe featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in fresh orange juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, and honey. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char while maintaining moist, flaky texture. This healthy, citrus-infused dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare and is ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 skin-on fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for spicy twist
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary for herb infusion
  • Smoked paprika for smoky variation

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 smooth to create a flavorful citrus marinade.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate without over-tenderizing the fish.
  3. Preheat the Grill: While the salmon marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are covered with white ash to ensure even cooking and a nice char.
  4. Grill the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place fillets skin-side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness, flipping carefully with a spatula once the fish releases easily and has grill marks.
  5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh herbs or desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Choose fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not marinate for more than 30 minutes to prevent fish from becoming mushy due to citrus acid.
  • Oil the grill grates with a high smoke point oil to prevent sticking and ensure clean grill marks.
  • Use a food thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
  • Let the salmon rest after grilling to keep it moist and tender.
  • Can be cooked indoors using a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling is not an option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange grilled salmon, citrus salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon, grilled fish, weeknight dinner, gluten free seafood