I never expected my son to love salmon as much as he does, but now it’s a staple in our meals. Maybe it’s because it’s soft and easy to chew, or maybe it’s the way a good marinade brings out its flavor. Either way, he’ll happily eat it any way I make it but if he had to choose, teriyaki would be his ultimate favorite. That sweet, savory glaze always wins him over. That’s why I keep a few go-to marinades on hand simple, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. These are the ones I turn to when I want something delicious without overcomplicating things.
TERIYAKI SALMON MARINADE
This classic teriyaki marinade is my son’s absolute favorite. It has the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making the salmon extra flavorful with just a few simple ingredients. Let it soak in for a while, and you’ll have a delicious, glossy glaze once it’s cooked.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce
- 2 salmon fillets
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Cook the salmon by pan-frying, baking, or grilling, spooning the extra marinade over the top as it cooks for a rich, flavorful glaze.
Miso Glazed Salmon Marinade
Miso adds a deep, umami-rich flavor that makes salmon taste incredible. This marinade creates a slightly sweet, savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. It’s a simple way to make salmon feel a little extra special.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce
- 2 pcs salmon fillet
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
- Coat the salmon with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Bake, pan-fry, or grill the salmon, brushing extra marinade on top as it cooks for a rich, glossy finish.
Honey Garlic Salmon Marinade
This honey garlic marinade is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of garlic to bring out the salmon’s natural flavor. It caramelizes beautifully when cooked, making every bite rich and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Cook the salmon by baking, pan-frying, or grilling, spooning the extra marinade over the top as it cooks for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Filipino-Style Salmon Marinade
This Filipino-style marinade gives salmon a delicious mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The banana ketchup and calamansi (or lemon) add a unique twist, while the soda helps tenderize the fish. It’s a fun way to bring those familiar Filipino barbecue flavors to salmon!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Filipino soy sauce
- 2 tbsp calamansi or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp banana ketchup
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup lemon or lime soda
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Bake, pan-fry, or grill the salmon, basting with extra marinade for a flavorful, caramelized finish.
Greek Lemon and Herb Salmon Marinade
This Greek-style marinade brings a refreshing, zesty flavor to salmon with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and savory, making each bite feel light yet full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Bake, pan-fry, or grill the salmon, basting with extra marinade for a flavorful, caramelized finish.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SALMON MARINADE RECIPES
Each of these marinades brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the sweet and savory teriyaki, the rich umami of miso, the bold honey garlic, the tangy Filipino-style mix, or the refreshing Greek lemon and herb. They’re all simple to prepare but make a big impact on the flavor of the salmon, turning an ordinary meal into something special for the whole family. I love that these marinades are not only easy to whip up but also versatile enough to work for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. Try them out and find your favorite—it’s the perfect way to enjoy salmon in so many different, delicious ways!
