10 Minute Honey Salmon Marinade

With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from the combination of honey, molasses, ketchup, and ginger, this Honey Salmon Marinade is the perfect way to add lots of flavor to salmon. Made with easy-to-find ingredients and the ability to make a big batch for future use, this marinade will quickly become a household staple!

Have you ever wondered how to take salmon up a notch and make it even more flavorful and delicious? The answer lies in marinating! By marinating your salmon, you can infuse it with a wide range of delicious flavors that will make your meal feel truly special.

This recipe for honey salmon marinade is a tried and true favorite for my Honey Glazed Salmon recipe! It combines the natural sweetness of honey with the rich flavors of molasses, ketchup, and ginger. The addition of orange juice adds a touch of tanginess, while garlic and shallots bring a savory depth to the marinade. The result is a complex and well-balanced flavor that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of salmon.

Despite its complex flavor profile, this salmon marinade is incredibly easy to make, even for novice home chefs. Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, whisk them together and pour the marinade over your salmon fillets. Let them sit for 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to fully sink into the fish, then cook them up as desired.

Make a large batch of the marinade and store it in the fridge or freezer for future use. This recipe is a true time-saver for busy weeknight meals!

If you want more easy marinades, make sure you try out these delicious recipes for Mexican Chili Lime Chicken Marinade, Balsamic Steak Marinade, or Balsamic Chicken Marinade!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This easy marinade recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the richness of molasses and the tanginess of orange juice for a perfect balance of flavors.
• It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to whip up.
• Marinating your salmon with this recipe not only makes it more flavorful but also helps to keep it moist and tender.
• With the ability to make a big batch of the marinade and store it in the fridge or freezer, you’ll always have a delicious and convenient option for a quick and easy meal. Try it on grilled salmon, baked salmon, or even on chicken or pork for a versatile and delicious marinade that you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shallot – Brings a subtle onion-like flavor to the marinade that enhances the savory notes and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Ginger & Garlic – The combination of these two ingredients bring a punch of bold and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of honey and molasses.
• Orange Juice – The tanginess of orange juice adds a refreshing and bright flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the fish.
• Molasses – Provides a deep and complex flavor to the marinade that brings a hint of smokiness and a touch of bitterness to the sweetness of honey.
• Ketchup – Adds a subtle richness and depth of tomato flavor.
• Honey – Gives a natural sweetness to the marinade that balances out the tanginess of the orange juice and the richness of molasses.
• Salt & Pepper – Help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the marinade and add a subtle savory note to the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Honey Salmon Marinade

Combine ingredients: Measure each ingredient and add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Whisk to combine: Using a whisk, combine the marinade ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Marinate salmon: Pour over fresh salmon and marinate in the fridge for at least 30-45 minutes before cooking.

Chill and store: Store any remaining marinade in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Tips For Cooking Marinated Salmon

• For best results, choose fresh and high-quality salmon fillets that are evenly sized. This will ensure that they cook evenly and that the flavors of the marinade penetrate evenly.
• Mince the garlic, ginger, and shallot finely to ensure that their flavors are well-distributed throughout the marinade. You can also blend the marinade for a smooth texture.
• If you’re short on time, you can marinate the salmon for as little as 15-20 minutes. For best results, aim for at least 30-45 minutes.

Variations

• To add a spicy kick to the marinade, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give it a bit of heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and molasses.
• Substitute the ketchup with barbecue sauce. This will add a subtle smokiness.
• To add a bit of umami flavor to the marinade, add a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This will deepen the savory notes and add a rich depth of flavor.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Before using the marinade, give it a good stir or shake to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch of the honey salmon marinade, you can also freeze it for future use. Pour the marinade into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. The marinade will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to use the marinade, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a whisk to redistribute the ingredients.

FAQ

What else can I use besides honey for sweetness?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweetness. Agave nectar also works well and adds a slightly different flavor profile.

Print