Balsamic Salmon Marinade (3 ingredients!)

close up shot of balsamic salmon with reduction drizzled over it

5 from 10 votes

Balsamic Salmon Marinade (3 ingredients!)

This simple balsamic salmon marinade has just 3 ingredients, and gets dinner on your table in no time. The salmon comes out with the best texture- so soft and tender on the inside and never over-cooked.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Marinating Time30

Total Time15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

20 oz salmon fillets cut into 5 oz portions; see note 1
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup note 2
½ teaspoon garlic powder note 3

Instructions

Shake up marinade- in a ½ pint jar or salad dressing shaker, combine the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and garlic powder. Shake it up until completely combined.
Marinate salmon- Make sure your salmon is cut into equal-sized 5 oz fillets. Arrange in a 9 x 9 inch square baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the salmon, then turn the salmon so it is skin side up. Marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven + sheet pan- Heat the oven to 500°F. Line a sturdy baking sheet with foil and place it in the oven to pre-heat as well. Once oven comes to temperature, remove the sheet pan and carefully arrange the salmon on it (skin side down).
Reduce heat + bake salmon- Place the sheet pan into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 275°F. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches 125°F*(see note 4) when checked with an instant read thermometer.
Reduce marinade (optional)- While salmon bakes, add the reserved marinade to a pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until it reduces and thickens. Use this to drizzle over the salmon.

Video

Notes

1- if you have a thin tail portion of the salmon, I recommend pan frying instead of baking. See How to Cook Salmon

2- you can swap the maple syrup for an equal volume of honey or brown sugar; alternative sweeteners have not been tested

3- garlic powder can be swapped for 3-4 cloves fresh minced garlic

4- 125°F yields medium-rare salmon; cook to 145°F for medium-well.

Storage

Balsamic marinated salmon is best served fresh, though leftovers may be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or in the microwave until steaming hot.

CAUTION

Do not use a glass baking dish as it risks shattering in the oven at 500°F.

Nutrition