This grilled salmon is incredibly flavorful and easy to make! A delicious marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh lemon, and garlic creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that pair beautifully with rich, tender salmon fillets.
The salmon turns out juicy, flaky, and packed with flavor every time, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and summer cookouts. It’s such a family favorite that even my 9-year-old absolutely loves it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe
- Mostly hands-off: The marinade does the heavy lifting — your work is done in minutes.
- Kid-approved: The sweet-savory balance wins over even picky eaters, kids included.
- Pantry staples only: No specialty ingredients — just things you likely already have.
- Perfectly caramelized: Brown sugar creates gorgeous grill marks and a sticky, glossy crust.
Ingredients Notes
- Salmon fillets: Skin-on is best — it protects the flesh from the grill heat. Any variety works; just make sure fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of the marinade. Low-sodium works fine, and tamari is a perfect gluten-free swap.
- Brown sugar: Creates that sticky, golden crust on the grill and balances the saltiness. Light or dark both work — dark adds a deeper molasses note.
- Lemon pepper, garlic powder & salt: Applied directly to the fish before marinating. It adds brightness and warmth, and helps the marinade soak in better.
- Water & vegetable oil: Water dilutes the salt so it doesn’t overpower. Oil distributes flavor evenly and prevents sticking on the grill.
How To Make It
Step 1: Prepare and gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: Sprinkle the salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt for seasoning.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Place the salmon into a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and turn to evenly coat the fillets. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
Step 4: Heat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill grate.
Step 5: Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on the hot grill, discarding the leftover marinade. Grill for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful grilled salmon!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Avoid the microwave: Microwaving salmon tends to dry it out and can create an unpleasant smell. The skillet method is worth the extra minute.
Grilled Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate for 15–30 minutes.3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.4. Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin-side down on the grill.5. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.6. Remove from the grill and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.7. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the salmon, as it can dry out quickly.
- For extra flavor, reserve a little marinade for brushing while grilling.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 318
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 21g
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Sodium: 1092mg
- Calcium: 27mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 389mg
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