Thai Grilled Salmon with Easy Citrus Marinade

Salmon is the most popular fish because it's easy, delicious, and nutritious. The best way to cook Thai Grilled Salmon is to grill it outside with this easy citrus marinade.

November 12, 2020

Thai grilled salmon on a platter with zucchini in coconut sauce and Basmati Rice pilaf

Grill Outside

Salmon is the most popular fish for a reason – it’s easy, delicious, and nutritious. The best way to cook Thai Grilled salmon is on the outside grill. The high heat perfectly cooks it and crisps up the skin.  Another advantage of grilling fish outdoors is that it keeps that distinct smell outside and provides low clean-up.

Side Dishes

This grilled salmon and the accompanying dishes, Basmati Rice Pilaf and Zucchini with Coconut Sauce, is a wonderful dinner. Reserve this meal for date night, birthday, anniversary, or special weekend dinner.

What Type of Salmon to Buy?

Salmon falls into two categories Atlantic Salmon and Pacific Salmon, and this article from Cooking Light provides a salmon buying guide. I usually get farm-raised Atlantic Salmon because of its affordability. Look for a shop that procures from sustainable sources. Purchase large filets pieces or fillets cut into steaks with the skin to add protection during cooking. Allow 5- 6 ounces per serving.

Best Way to Prepare Salmon

Salmon does not have to marinate long to enhance the flavor – 15 minutes to 30 minutes will do the trick. It really is not marinating. It is more like a rub of oil and some flavors. The oil helps keep the fish from sticking to the grill, and any flavors that coordinate with your side dishes will work. Lemon, garlic, lime, soy sauce are all good flavor enhancers. For this recipe, I chose lime and cilantro because it goes well with Southeast Asian or Mexican-inspired dishes. 

Helpful Equipment

  • Outdoor Grill
  • Grill Basket
  • Grill Pan if cooking indoors

Using a grill basket or rack is an essential piece of equipment when grilling something delicate like salmon. The basket helps keep the fillets from sticking to the grill but allows those yummy grill marks on the fish. However, I cook salmon on the stove-top grill pan on rainy days or when I’ve discovered, too late, that the propane is on its last fumes. If you want to cook indoors, try either of these recipes:

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Thai grilled salmon on a platter with zucchini in coconut sauce and Basmati Rice pilaf

Thai Grilled Salmon


Description

Salmon is the most popular fish because it’s easy, delicious, and nutritious. The best way to cook Thai Grilled Salmon is to grill it outside with this easy citrus marinade.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1.251.5pounds salmon fillet or (4) 5-6 oz. skin-on salmon fillets (1 per serving)
  • 1 lime zested and juiced – reserve some zest for garnish after cooking
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (reserve a small amount for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.
  2. Place salmon on a plate skin side down, pour marinade over pieces, and top with lime slices. Sit fish on the counter for 15 – 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to 400º.
  4. Brush the fish basket with olive oil and place the fish inside and close and lock the handle.
  5. Place fish skin side down on the grill and cook for 8 – 10 minutes. Turn and cook for an additional 2– 3 minutes. This skin side can take more heat than- the flesh side, so I do that side a little longer. Fish is done when it is the same color throughout.
  6. Place on a platter and cut into individual pieces.
  7. Sprinkle with lime zest and cilantro.

Notes

Excellent with Basmati Rice Pilaf and Zucchini in Coconut Sauce. If eating a paleo diet, eliminate the rice.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Fish & Seafood
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: Thai

Keywords: Lenten Meal, meatless Friday dinner

Let me know your thoughts on this post!

8 responses to “Thai Grilled Salmon with Easy Citrus Marinade”

    • Hi Lynn, thanks so much for your stamp of approval. It’s definitely a family favorite and great for entertaining, as well!

  1. Loved this recipe! The salmon was perfect and the flavors were a wonderful combination!

  2. This salmon is light and flavorful. Love the citrus flavor with the cilantro. Definitely a repeat!

  3. I am allergic to salmon, so substituted the salmon for mahi mahi. It turned out delicious!

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Karen The Supper Sanity Chef

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Hello, I’m Karen, a very passionate meal planner. As a mother of three, I have been planning family menus for years. When I was diagnosed with a digestive condition, I found it necessary to follow an eating regime that eliminated many ingredients. That made meal planning a health necessity. I’ve learned a lot and want to share my resources to simplify meal planning, shop efficiently and cook affordable homemade meals. If you wish to try new recipes, plan healthier meals, and enjoy a great dinner with your friends and family, Supper Sanity can help.

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