Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

If you love that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors on your fish, this Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe will absolutely become your new go-to. Imagine salmon filet kissed by a zesty triple citrus marinade, caramelized on the grill just right—not too dry, just juicy and tender every time. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and whenever I serve it, people can’t stop asking for seconds. So if you’re ready to master a salmon that bursts with bright citrus and has that killer grilled char, stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to creating that unforgettable grilled citrus salmon flavor, the magic is really in fresh, quality ingredients that bring out the best in each other. I always make sure to pick the freshest salmon filets and real citrus juices—bottled just won’t do the same. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll want to gather before the fun begins!

• Salmon filets: Opt for wild-caught if possible, and look for firm, moist flesh with a nice pink-orange color.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed if you can—it adds the sweetest, most natural flavor.
• Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed brightens the marinade wonderfully, balancing out sweetness.
• Lime juice: Adds a sharp, tangy kick that completes the triple citrus profile.
• Orange marmalade: This adds a lovely jammy sweetness and texture that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings savory depth without overpowering the citrus.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness, enriching the marinade complexity.
• Brown sugar: Balances acidity with sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the marinade into a syrupy glaze—it helps it cling to the salmon like a dream.
• Water: To dissolve the cornstarch and ensure the right glaze consistency.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this grilled citrus salmon recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or what flavors you like best. Don’t be shy—make it your own! Over time, I’ve experimented with all sorts of twists and it’s always a hit.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the marinade for a subtle heat that melts perfectly into the sweetness.
• Herb Freshness: Toss in chopped fresh dill or cilantro right before serving for a fresh herbal pop that brightens the dish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Just swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free with no flavor loss.
• Indoor Cooking: No grill? No problem! Use a cast iron pan or broil the salmon in the oven and brush with the glaze for a similar effect.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Marinade Magic

Start by combining ½ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup orange marmalade, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and ¼ cup brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Whisk everything until the sugar has dissolved. You’ll want all those flavors mingling beautifully before heating.

Step 2: Thicken the Marinade Into a Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth, then gradually stir this into your marinade mixture. Bring it up to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. You’ll see it thicken in just a couple of minutes—once it coats the back of a spoon, you can take it off the heat. This glaze is the secret to that lush, sticky finish.

Step 3: Prep the Salmon and Fire Up the Grill

Place the salmon filets skin-side down on soaked cedar planks or a well-oiled grill grates—either way works. Season the filets lightly with salt and pepper, then brush half of your citrus glaze over the top of each piece. That first brush seals in flavor and locks moisture.

Step 4: Grill to Tender, Flaky Perfection

Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to watch carefully here: it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. I love to use the cedar planks because they impart a subtle smoky aroma, but a grill or cast iron pan with good heat control works great too.

Step 5: Serve and Glaze with the Rest of the Sauce

Once off the grill, transfer salmon to your plates and brush the remaining glaze on top. This finishing touch really amps up the flavor and shine. Serve immediately and watch as your family or friends fall in love bite after bite!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping this salmon with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro—that splash of green just brightens the plate and adds a fresh bite. A few thinly sliced citrus rounds on the side also look gorgeous and reinforce the flavors.

Side Dishes

For sides, my family adores serving this with a simple quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus with a lemon zest drizzle. Grilled corn on the cob also pairs perfectly, keeping the meal seasonal and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting a special occasion, I sometimes serve this grilled citrus salmon on a wooden board garnished with edible flowers and citrus wedges for a stunning centerpiece. Plating individual filets over a bed of wild rice pilaf with a colorful salad on the side makes guests feel really spoiled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled citrus salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I’ve found wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap before storing helps preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze, I recommend wrapping individual portions in parchment paper and then a layer of aluminum foil before freezing to lock in freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender.

Reheating

To reheat leftover salmon, I prefer gently warming it in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. You can brush a bit of extra glaze on top before warming to restore that fresh citrus shine.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this grilled citrus salmon recipe elevates a simple ingredient like salmon into a meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and downright festive. The triple citrus marinade isn’t just delicious—it’s a comforting surefire crowd-pleaser that I keep coming back to whenever I want to impress without stress. So next time you’re craving something light but packed with flavor, give this recipe a try—you’ll thank me later!

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