Perfect Barefoot Contessa Asian Grilled Salmon Recipe in 30 Minutes

Asian grilled salmon brings bold, global flavors to the dinner table without requiring complicated prep.

A soy-based marinade infuses the fish with sweet, salty, and umami notes that soak in beautifully.

Grilling gives the outside a light char while keeping the center tender and juicy.

Layers of ginger, garlic, and sesame provide depth and aroma with every bite.

It’s a recipe that travels well from weeknight meals to weekend entertaining.

You won’t believe how easy gourmet seafood can be.

Relish the Exotic Flavors of Asian Grilled Salmon

• Grill with Ease: Discover a foolproof method for cooking salmon that transforms a potentially tricky fish into a perfectly grilled masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: The zesty marinade of mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic delivers an incredible punch of Asian-inspired taste in just 10 minutes of marinating time.
• Versatile Serving Style: Enjoy this salmon hot off the grill, at room temperature, or chilled, making it an ideal dish for casual dinners, picnics, or sophisticated gatherings with zero compromise on taste and texture.

Key Ingredients for Asian Grilled Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon has rich flavor and omega-3 benefits, center-cut fillets work best for even cooking.

• Dijon Mustard, Soy Sauce: Adds tangy depth and umami complexity to enhance salmon's natural flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth marinade base and helps prevent salmon from sticking to grill.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch and complementary savory notes to Asian-style salmon.

• Charcoal Briquettes or Gas Grill: Essential for creating smoky, high-heat cooking environment.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents salmon from sticking to grill rack during grilling process.
• Wide Spatula: Allows careful and secure handling of delicate salmon during grilling.

Step-by-Step Guide for Asian Grilled Salmon

Step 1: Ignite the Grill

Fire up charcoal briquettes or set a gas grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill rack with oil to prevent salmon from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Lay salmon on a cutting board and slice crosswise into 4 equal portions. Remove any visible bones.

Step 3: Create Flavor Blend

• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Infuse the Salmon

Pour half the marinade over salmon pieces. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place salmon skin-side down on hot grill. Discard the marinade used for soaking. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, using a wide spatula to carefully flip. Aim for slightly undercooked center, as fish continues cooking while resting.

Step 6: Rest and Present

Transfer grilled salmon to a serving plate, skin-side down. Drizzle remaining marinade over top. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Remove skin before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Insider Hints for Asian Grilled Salmon

• Salmon Selection Matters: Pick bright, ocean-fresh fillets with firm flesh and a clean sea smell for the most delicious results.
• Quick Marinade Magic: Soak salmon for just 10 minutes to enhance flavor without overwhelming the fish's delicate taste.
• Grill Prep Perfection: Clean and oil hot grates to create beautiful sear marks and prevent the salmon from sticking.
• Temperature Timing: Use medium-high heat and cook 4-5 minutes per side to achieve a perfectly moist, flaky texture.
• Resting Rewards: Allow grilled salmon to sit for 10 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent bite.

Smart Storage for Asian Grilled Salmon

• Seal Freshness: Wrap salmon in vacuum-sealed bags to lock in flavor and prevent freezer burn. This method preserves texture and prevents moisture loss, ensuring each bite remains as delicious as when first grilled.
• Portioning Strategy: Divide leftover salmon into individual serving sizes before freezing. Separate portions make reheating easier and prevent repeated thawing, which can degrade fish quality and taste.
• Flavor Preservation: Store salmon in glass containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping marinades and seasonings intact. Glass containers prevent odor absorption and maintain the salmon's delicate asian-inspired flavor profile better than plastic alternatives.

Creative Twists on Asian Grilled Salmon

• Citrus Zest Infusion: Replace the mustard with fresh lemon or orange zest mixed into the marinade, adding bright, tangy notes that complement the salmon's rich flavor.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Incorporate sriracha or gochujang into the marinade to create a fiery version that brings intense heat and depth to the grilled salmon.
• Herb-Crusted Edition: Mix fresh chopped cilantro, mint, or green onions into the marinade, then sprinkle additional herbs on top after grilling for an aromatic and fresh profile.
• Teriyaki Fusion: Swap the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a touch of honey for a sweeter, more caramelized glaze that creates a glossy finish on the salmon.

Parting Thoughts on Asian Grilled Salmon

Culinary magic blooms with Ina Garten’s Asian Grilled Salmon, a recipe that whispers elegance through simplicity.

Mustard, soy sauce, and garlic weave a symphony of flavors that dance across perfectly grilled fish.

Charcoal-kissed salmon emerges with caramelized edges and a tender heart, promising a sensory journey beyond ordinary meals.

Pacific Northwest salmon transforms into an artful canvas under Barefoot Contessa’s expert guidance.

Each bite tells a story of balanced marinades and precise grilling techniques that elevate home cooking.

Passionate cooks, this salmon invites exploration – share your grilling adventures, spark conversations in comments, and spread deliciousness across your networks.

Barefoot Contessa Asian Grilled Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Asian Grilled Salmon brings Pacific Rim flavors to your dinner table with zesty marinade and perfectly charred fish. Delicate salmon fillets soak in soy, ginger, and garlic, promising a delicious meal you’ll savor with each tender, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 1.3 kg / 3 lbs)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grill by igniting charcoal briquettes or setting a gas grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F/190-204°C). Lightly coat the grill rack with vegetable or olive oil to prevent salmon from adhering.
2. Position the salmon fillet on a clean cutting surface, skin-side facing downward. Slice the fillet into 4 uniform portions, each approximately 3-.
3. Create the flavor-enhancing marinade by whisking together Dijon mustard, low-sodium soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly minced garlic cloves in a small mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Generously drizzle half of the prepared marinade over the salmon portions, ensuring even coverage. Allow the fish to marinate at ambient temperature for 8-12 minutes, enabling the flavors to penetrate the flesh.
5. Carefully position the salmon pieces skin-side down on the preheated grill grates. Discard the marinade used for initial seasoning to prevent cross-contamination. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing beautiful grill marks to form.
6. Gently flip the salmon using a wide, sturdy spatula. Continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches a slightly translucent, medium-rare consistency. The internal temperature should register around 125°F (52°C).
7. Transfer the grilled salmon to a clean serving plate, maintaining skin-side down orientation. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
8. Let the salmon rest for 8-10 minutes, which allows the proteins to relax and redistribute moisture. Remove the skin before serving, and enjoy the salmon warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

• Check salmon’s color and firmness for peak freshness, avoiding dull or mushy fillets.
• Quickly coat salmon with light marinade to enhance without masking delicate fish flavor.
• Brush grill grates generously with oil to create perfect non-stick surface for delicate fish.
• Flip salmon gently once during grilling, watching for golden-brown exterior and translucent center.
• Rest grilled salmon on clean plate, covering loosely with foil to retain warmth and moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 542
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 585mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 46g
• Cholesterol: 124mg