Find out how long you can marinate salmon and the best ways to do it. It depends on the cut of salmon and the type of marinade. Infuse some flavor into your next salmon dinner with a bit of marinade. Just make sure you know how long to marinate salmon, the best kinds of marinade, and everything else you need to know about marinating salmon.
Unlike beef, chicken, or other proteins, salmon should not be marinated for a long time. There are no benefits to marinating salmon for a long period of time. And with some pieces of salmon, you can marinate it for too long. For the best-homecooked salmon, follow these marinating tips and tricks.
If you love seafood, marinades can help add flavor to some types of fish. Salmon is one of the best types of fish to marinate. The meaty flesh absorbs the flavors and holds up well. Just be careful to not over-marinade it. Continue reading and you will have foolproof marinaded salmon every time.
How to Marinate Salmon
The best way to marinate salmon is to do so in a shallow dish that is rimmed & slightly bigger than the size of your piece/piece of fish. It will help hold the shape of the fish while also containing the liquid. Make sure the salmon is in a single layer so as much surface area is in the marinade.
It is also important to keep the fish at a safe temperature. Never marinate salmon on the counter or at room temperature. Always place your salmon to marinate in the refrigerator.
How Long Can you Marinate Salmon in the Fridge?
Salmon comes in different cuts and sizes. It will depend on what you are marinating to determine how long the salmon should marinate. Here is a guide for the best length of time for marinating salmon.
| SALMON CUT or SIZE | TIME TO MARINATE |
| Cubes & Chunks | 10-30 minutes |
| Filets | 15-30 minutes for each side |
| Steaks | 20-40 minutes for each side |
| Whole, deboned | 40 minutes for each side |
Can you Marinate Salmon Overnight?
While some meats benefit from an overnight marinade, salmon is not one of them. Like most seafood and fish, marinating it for too long is bad for the taste and texture of the salmon. Marinating salmon overnight is way too long for this flaky fish.
Marinating salmon any longer than 40-60 minutes, depending on the size/cut of the fish, will result in too much breakdown of the flesh. The salmon will start to become mushy and almost "cook" due to the acids that are in most marinades. Too much salt or other spices also changes the composition of the salmon pieces.
The only way marinating salmon overnight is a good idea is if it is a simple marinade of just fresh herbs and maybe a bit of olive oil. Slather-style marinades sometimes work such as spreading mayo over the fish & sprinkling with fresh herbs like dill & parsley. Any other liquid such as a brine marinade with any kind of vinegar, citrus juices, salts, etc is not good for an overnight steep.
Best Types of Marinade for Salmon
Here are the best types of marinades for salmon. Traditional marinades include some sort of acid, oil, spices, and herbs. My lemon pepper marinade is amazing for vegetables, chicken, and, of course, SALMON! I cannot recommend this enough with bright citrus, garlic, herbs, and more.
Here are some recipe ideas or store-bought options that are best for marinating salmon. These great liquid or slather-style marinades are bold & tasty or try one of these 4 Healthy Salmon Marinades.
- Teriyaki - sweet & salty soy sauce and sugar combination
- Lime Herb - fresh lime juice, olive oil, & fresh herbs
- Dill & Garlic - white vinegar, olive oil, fresh dill, chopped garlic & more
- Sweet & Spicy - maple syrup, spicy brown mustard, olive oil & dried onion
- Honey Mustard - slather on a combo of honey & mustard with herbs
- Spicy Mayo - slather a combo of mayo & siracha with herbs
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