This Grilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon in Foil recipe is an easy, flavorful dish with tender, juicy salmon marinated in a soy-brown sugar mixture and grilled in foil. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The foil packet locks in the flavors, keeping the salmon moist and flaky, with a slightly caramelized exterior. It’s easy to prepare and clean up is a breeze, as the foil does all the work!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds salmon with skin on

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1. Make the Marinade:

   • Combine the brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Mix until the brown sugar is dissolved.

2. Marinate the Salmon:

   • Place the salmon in a shallow glass dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the dish or bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours.

3. Prepare the Grill:

   • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, turn off one burner to create indirect heat.

4. Wrap the Salmon:

   • Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, place the salmon skin-side down in the center, and fold the long sides up, then over the fish. Fold over the short ends to seal it into a packet.

5. Grill the Salmon:

   • Place the foil-wrapped salmon on the grill over indirect heat, cover the grill, and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through. For crispy grill marks, open the foil packet during the last 2 minutes of grilling and cook directly over the flames.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the salmon from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 350–400 kcal

• Total Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 500–600mg

• Carbohydrates: 15g

  • Sugar: 12g

• Protein: 25g

This dish is a great way to enjoy the richness of salmon with a sweet and savory marinade. It’s perfect for serving with vegetables or a fresh salad!

Why Grilled Salmon in Foil?

Grilling salmon in foil is a foolproof way to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. The foil acts as a protective barrier, locking in the marinade and preventing the salmon from drying out on the grill. It also makes cleanup incredibly easy—once the salmon is done, simply remove the foil and discard it, leaving you with a clean grill. This cooking method also allows for even cooking, as the heat surrounds the foil packet, gently cooking the salmon without overcooking it. The result is a beautifully tender piece of fish with a slightly caramelized exterior.

The foil-wrapped method is perfect for those new to grilling or anyone who wants to skip the hassle of flipping the fish on the grill. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to infuse the fish with rich flavors from the marinade, which seeps into the salmon while it grills, creating a flavorful, juicy bite every time.

Flavor Profile: Sweet and Savory

The marinade for this Grilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients. The soy sauce imparts a rich umami flavor that perfectly complements the natural richness of the salmon. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a slightly caramelized crust on the fish as it grills. The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients and enhancing the overall flavor. Garlic and black pepper bring an aromatic depth to the marinade, giving the salmon an extra layer of flavor.

As the salmon grills, the sugars in the marinade caramelize slightly, giving the fish a beautiful golden-brown color and adding a slightly crisped edge to the surface. This sweet-salty glaze pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon, making each bite a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Preparing the Marinade

Making the marinade for this salmon is as simple as combining a few pantry staples. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic, and kosher salt. The brown sugar may take a little extra stirring to dissolve fully, but the end result will be a smooth, well-balanced marinade that evenly coats the salmon. This marinade is the key to creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet, infusing the fish with delicious flavor before it hits the grill.

Once the marinade is mixed, place the salmon in a shallow glass dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the fish. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours. The longer the fish marinates, the more pronounced the flavors will be, so feel free to marinate the salmon for a few hours to really let the flavors sink in.

Grilling the Salmon in Foil

Grilling the salmon is the final step, and it’s a breeze thanks to the foil packet. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and if you’re using a gas grill, turn off one burner to create an area for indirect heat. This will allow the salmon to cook gently without getting too charred on the outside before it’s cooked through.

Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, and place the salmon fillet skin-side down in the center. Fold the long sides of the foil up over the fish, then fold over the short ends to seal it into a packet. This ensures that the fish is completely enclosed, trapping in the marinade and moisture during the cooking process.

Place the foil packet on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. Let the salmon cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet, so be sure to check it toward the end to avoid overcooking. If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, open the foil packet during the last 2 minutes of grilling and let the fish cook directly over the flames for a minute or two.

Serving the Grilled Salmon

Once the salmon is done, remove it from the grill and carefully open the foil packet. Be cautious of the steam when opening, as it can burn you. Transfer the salmon to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added color and brightness. The parsley adds a touch of freshness, while the lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the salmon to enhance the flavor.

This Grilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it an incredibly versatile dish. Serve it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The sweet-savory flavor profile of the salmon also works well with grilled or roasted potatoes, quinoa, or couscous.

Nutritional Benefits

Grilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon is not only delicious but also a nutritious meal. A serving contains about 350-400 calories, with a substantial 25 grams of protein per serving. The salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and overall well-being. The olive oil in the marinade contributes healthy fats, while the soy sauce and brown sugar provide the sweet and savory elements that make this dish so delicious.

In addition to being rich in protein, this dish is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium, all of which play important roles in maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting energy production.

Conclusion

Grilled Soy Brown Sugar Salmon in Foil is an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The foil packet ensures that the salmon stays moist and tender while infusing it with a delicious soy-brown sugar marinade. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to serve at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite.