This Barbecued Salmon recipe is my favorite salmon recipe of all time.

barbecued salmon cut into fillets and displayed on a white plate with parsley and lime wedges

I’ve had this barbecued salmon recipe for at least 25 years. I imagine I copied the recipe from one of my sister’s Junior League cookbooks, once upon a time and then we’ve changed it up a little over the years. It’s a good one. The marinade is perfect. It’s sweet and tangy. The salmon just soaks it up and takes on a wonderful flavor.

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make barbecued salmon. Ingredients displayed in little glass bowls and cut salmon filets.

Ingredients needed:

  • fresh salmon fillets
  • honey
  • butter
  • Dijon mustard
  • soy sauce
  • brown sugar
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • lime

spooning marinade onto salmon filets on a foil lined baking sheet

How to make Barbecued Salmon:

The marinade is made quickly in a saucepan on the stove. Butter is melted with honey and brown sugar. Soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil and garlic are then added in. I’ve even made this in the microwave when I don’t feel like getting out a saucepan. And then the marinade is spooned over the salmon. 

About the pan:

This recipe is for barbecued salmon. You can grill this salmon or you can bake it in the oven. Sometimes I make it as pictured here with a foil-lined pan. And sometimes I make a little pan out of a double layer of the extra strong foil, marinate the salmon in the foil pan and bake it in the pan (and the marinade) too.

overhead shot of marinated salmon ready for the oven with honey, sauce lime on the side

You’ll give the marinade about an hour to let it do its thing (refrigerated). And I’ve let it marinate for longer than that too.

overhead shot of barbecued salmon cooked on a foil lined sheet pan with lime wedges

It will only take 12 to 15 minutes to cook the salmon. It should flake away easily with a fork when it’s perfectly done. You don’t want to over-cook salmon or it will be tough, so just keep an eye on it. Cook time totally depends on the thickness of your salmon.

barbecued salmon cut into fillets and displayed on a white plate with parsley and lime wedges

Types of salmon:

Look for fresh salmon that is not farmed. That will be your most delicious choice. King salmon is awesome, but it’s expensive. Coho and sockeye salmon are really good too. Pink salmon is a Pacific salmon. Atlantic salmon is farmed, but it will be commonly found in your market. It just depends how important sustainability is to you.

overhead shot of white dinner plate with salmon and salad. forks on the side and plate of salad on the side.

Serve your barbecued salmon with whatever you’d like. Rice and veggies are good side dishes. A lighter option is to serve it alongside or on top of a salad. Squeeze a little fresh lime on top of your cooked salmon. It’s so good. Enjoy!

forkful of cooked salmon hovering over a white dinner plate of salmon and salad

Here are a few more salmon recipes you might like to try:

If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you will find a link to WW Points on the recipe card below.

barbecued salmon cut into fillets and displayed on a white plate with parsley and lime wedges
5 from 1 vote

Barbecued Salmon

Favorite all-time salmon recipe for many years!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Marinating Time:: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients

Instructions 

  • In small saucepan over medium heat, stir the butter with the honey and sugar until the butter melts. Remove from heat. Add the mustard, soy sauce, oil, and garlic; mix well and let cool.
  • Remove the bones from the fish (or have the seafood shop do it for you). Rinse and pat the fish dry with paper towels. Set the fish skin-side-down in a foil-rimmed pan. Spoon the sauce over and marinate for one hour.
  • Bake in a covered barbecue (with vents open) for 8 to 12 minutes. This may also be baked in the oven at 425℉. for 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the thickness of your fish), or until the fish flakes apart easily with a fork. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • If you're preparing this recipe as GLUTEN FREE, just make sure that you are using GF varieties of both honey and soy sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet, Calories: 344kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 732mg, Potassium: 886mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 156IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 33mg, Iron: 2mg, Purple WW Smartpoints: -3

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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fillet of barbecued salmon on a white serving plate with a lime wedge

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Kimberly Lewis says:

    Made this exactly as suggested and WOW! It was a hit! Had several folks who do not normally enjoy salmon say they loved it! Another winner!

  2. Kevalyn Pennington says:

    Can’t wait to try this tonight!! Always looking for a flavorful salmon recipe.