Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, bright, and downright delicious for dinner, this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this salmon turns out—tender, flaky, and infused with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy from three different citrus juices. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that beautiful grilled flavor combined with a luscious glaze that feels fancy but takes no fuss at all. You’ll find that it’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to bring out the best in salmon. The citrus juices provide a vibrant tang, brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, and soy sauce deepens the flavor with subtle umami notes. When shopping, try to get fresh juice whenever possible — it makes a noticeable difference!

• Salmon filets: Look for firm, fresh pieces with skin on for best grilling results.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed if you can; it adds natural sweetness and brightness.
• Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with sharp acidity.
• Lime juice: Adds a refreshing citrus twist that complements the other juices.
• Orange marmalade: Provides a lovely citrus sweetness and texture to the glaze.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings aromatic depth.
• Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, enhancing overall flavor.
• Brown sugar: Gives the marinade a caramelized sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade so it coats the salmon perfectly.
• Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and achieve the right glaze consistency.

Variations

One of the best things about this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your tastes or what you have on hand. I like to experiment with different citrus combinations or add a spicy kick now and then.

• Spicy Kick: Adding a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the marinade gives the salmon a nice heat that my family loves.
• Herb Boost: Fresh chopped herbs like dill or cilantro sprinkled on after grilling add a fresh herbal note.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Make it on a Sheet Pan: If you don’t have a grill, bake the salmon in the oven with the marinade for a more controlled cooking method.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Citrus Marinade

Start by combining your orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, orange marmalade, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. I usually whisk this mixture vigorously to dissolve the sugar and break up the marmalade chunks. It’s important to get a nice smooth sauce that will coat the salmon evenly and soak into the fish during grilling.

Step 2: Thicken the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until fully combined. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan, then place over medium-high heat. Watch it closely and bring it to a boil. As soon as you see thickening, remove from heat—usually a couple of minutes—and let it cool slightly. This thickened glaze clings beautifully to the salmon instead of just running off.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Whether you’re using cedar planks or a well-oiled grill rack, place the salmon filets skin side down. I like to sprinkle them with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper—you want that clean flavor to shine through. Then brush half of your citrus marinade on top, saving the rest for brushing later after grilling.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Grill over medium-high heat for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain an even temperature. You’ll notice the glaze caramelizes slightly, adding a gorgeous, flavorful crust. The salmon should flake easily when tested with a fork but still feel moist and tender inside.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the salmon to plates and brush the reserved glaze all over the top for an extra burst of citrus sweetness. This final step seals in the flavor and makes your dish look as amazing as it tastes. Serve immediately and enjoy the compliments!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. A few thin slices of extra lemon or lime on top brighten the look and enhance the citrus notes. You might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and visual interest.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this salmon are simple and fresh: a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil, and herbed quinoa or wild rice to soak up the citrus glaze. If I’m feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted baby potatoes work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach or couscous, drizzle with extra glaze, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for that wow factor. Another fun idea is to serve it family-style on the cedar planks right at the table, which feels cozy and inviting every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover grilled citrus salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days and still tastes fantastic. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen salmon maintains good quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil for about 10-12 minutes so it stays moist. Microwave reheating tends to dry it out, so the oven method works best to preserve that fresh grilled flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my kitchen for how quick, flavorful, and versatile it is. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just starting out with salmon, this recipe delivers consistently beautiful results with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again! So fire up your grill, gather your citrus, and enjoy a bright, tasty meal with family or friends.

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