Marinate the salmon for 30 minutes to an hour for smaller cuts like fillets, and up to two hours for bigger filets. Avoid marinating salmon beyond 24 hours, as this may lead to protein degradation and a mushy texture. For acid-based marinades, limit the marination time to a maximum of 6 hours.
Salmon, like other fish varieties, is no exception. It can easily be overcooked in a matter of minutes. Marinating your salmon before cooking it not only keeps it from drying out, but it also adds moisture and makes the flavor better.
How long you should marinate salmon depends on how big the fish is, what’s in the marinade, and what kind of flavor you want.
This article goes into great detail about marinades. We’ll talk about the different flavors you can choose from and how they affect the cooking process. By learning the subtleties of marinating, you can bring out the best in your salmon dish and make sure it always comes out tender and flavorful.
Salmon is a versatile and healthy fish that can be prepared in endless ways. One popular preparation method is marinating which infuses flavor and tenderizes the salmon. But how long can you safely marinate salmon in the refrigerator?
Overview
- For acid-based marinades, marinate salmon for 30 minutes up to 2 hours maximum.
- For non-acidic marinades, salmon can marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Marinating longer than 24 hours causes the proteins to break down, resulting in mushy texture.
- Always marinate salmon in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
How Marinating Salmon Works
Marinating salmon is a simple but effective way to make it taste and feel better. It works by letting the marinade ingredients get into the salmon’s flesh, which softens the proteins and adds water.
Common marinade components like acids salts and enzymes act on the proteins on salmon’s surface, partially breaking them down and allowing the marinade to seep in deeper.
Marinating for the right duration allows these ingredients to work their magic. Too short and flavors don’t have time to develop. Too long and the salmon’s proteins break down too much, causing an unpleasant texture.
That’s why marinating duration matters when it comes to salmon.
##Ideal Marinating Times for Salmon
For acid-based marinades:
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30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for most acid-based marinades. Acids like lemon juice, vinegar, and wine tenderize salmon quickly.
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Don’t exceed 6 hours for acidic marinades as the texture may become mushy.
For non-acidic marinades:
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Salmon can marinate for up to 24 hours since there are no acids to break down proteins.
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Flavors have longer to develop without risk of over-marinating.
In all cases:
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Marinate salmon for 30-60 minutes per inch of thickness as a general rule.
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Larger cuts like salmon steaks need longer marinating than thin fillets.
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Don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours total.
Marinating Salmon Safely
To marinate salmon safely:
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Always marinate in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
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Use non-reactive containers like glass or plastic. Acids in marinades can react with metal.
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Ensure marinade covers all surfaces of salmon. Turn the bag occasionally.
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Discard used marinade after marinating due to bacteria transfer risk. Don’t baste with or reuse it.
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Marinate for the recommended time based on marinade type. Don’t exceed 24 hours.
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Cook marinated salmon within 2 hours after removing from fridge for food safety.
Tips for Great Marinated Salmon
Follow these tips for delicious marinated salmon every time:
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Dry salmon well before marinating to allow marinade to stick and penetrate better.
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Use a zip-top bag to easily coat all surfaces of salmon. Remove air for best contact.
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Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl before pouring over salmon.
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Turn salmon in the marinade occasionally to distribute flavors.
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Pat salmon dry after marinating and before cooking to prevent steaming.
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Discard used marinade and make a fresh batch if basting salmon while cooking.
Sample Marinade Combinations
Salmon pairs well with endless marinade possibilities. Try out these tasty combinations:
Tangy citrus: Lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, basil
Asian flair: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar
Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, pepper
Tex-Mex: Lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, oregano
Maple salmon: Maple syrup, soy sauce, chili flakes, lime juice
Pesto salmon: Pesto, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic
Honey mustard: Honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley
FAQs
Can you marinate salmon too long?
Yes, marinating longer than 24 hours causes the proteins in salmon to break down too much, resulting in a mushy texture. For food safety, don’t marinate longer than 24 hours.
Should you rinse off marinade before cooking salmon?
It’s not necessary to rinse off all the marinade before cooking. Just pat salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade and prevent steaming.
Can I reuse salmon marinade?
It’s unsafe to reuse marinade after marinating due to bacterial contamination. Make a fresh batch if basting salmon while cooking.
What temperature should marinated salmon be cooked to?
Cook marinated salmon to an internal temperature of 125°F-145°F to destroy any bacteria present and ensure it’s safe to eat.
The Takeaway
Marinating salmon in the fridge for up to 24 hours infuses it with flavor and moisture for delicious results. Just stick within the safe time frame for the marinade type to prevent over-marinating. Follow proper food safety and salmon will marinate up perfectly every time.
How Long Can You Marinate Salmon For?
Over-marinating salmon is possible. For too long of an exposure to an acidic or salty marinade, salmon can become tough and dry, as I described before.
After 24 hours, or even before that, the salt and acidic ingredients may start to take away the moisture they added in the first place. If the fish is marinated for too long, the acid could break down the proteins in it, making it soft and mushy.
How Long Should Salmon Be Seasoned Before Cooking?
We’ve already talked about how long you can marinate salmon: 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the size of the fish, how strong you want the flavor to be, and the ingredients you use in the marinade.
After marinating, cook the salmon within an hour of rinsing or wiping it clean. Delaying cooking may lead to over-marinated fish with an undesirable texture.
If you use salt or a dry rub to season your salmon, you can cook it right away or let the seasoning sit for a short time. Remember that dry seasonings can make the fish dry out, so don’t leave them on for too long. Always store marinated fish in the refrigerator until ready to cook.