Mediterranean Grilled Salmon With Olive Oil Marinade

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Mediterranean Olive Oil Marinade:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is a crucial step that ensures the fish does not stick to the grill grates and helps achieve a better sear. Place the fillets in a shallow glass dish or a resealable plastic bag.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined and emulsified.

Step 3: Marinate the Fish

1. Pour the Mediterranean olive oil marinade evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes. Note: Do not marinate salmon for longer than 45 minutes, as the acid in the lemon juice can begin to break down the delicate protein fibers and alter the texture.

Step 4: Preheat and Clean the Grill

1. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F). Thoroughly clean the grill grates using a wire brush to remove any residual debris. Once clean, dip a folded paper towel in a small amount of high-heat cooking oil and carefully wipe the grates using long-handled tongs to create a non-stick surface.

Step 5: Grill the Salmon

1. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Place the fillets on the hot grill skin-side down . Close the grill lid and cook undisturbed for about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

1. Carefully slide a thin metal spatula underneath the skin of each fillet and gently flip them over. Grill for an additional 2 to 4 minutes on the flesh side until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the grilled salmon to a warm serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 340 kcal · Protein: 34g · Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 3.5g · Carbohydrates: 3g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 3.5g Cholesterol: 85mg · Fiber: 0.5g · Sugar: 0.5g · Sodium: 380mg