Although grilled salmon is very simple to make, if you’re getting bored with the same old grilled salmon fillet, you might want to add a sauce for grilled salmon to your list of recipes. These 10 sauces give your grilled salmon a big flavor boost in a quick and easy way. One of these sauces is sure to make your mouth water whether you’re making a light lunch in the summer or a feast with food from around the world.
Salmon is one of the most versatile fish to cook and eat Its flaky texture and rich, fatty flavors pair perfectly with a variety of ingredients While salmon is delicious plain or simply seasoned, the right condiments and sauces can really take your salmon recipes to the next level.
When choosing a sauce or condiment for salmon, you’ll want to consider the cooking method. Sauces for grilled or pan seared salmon can be bolder, while sauces for poached or baked salmon should be more delicate. Salmon’s richness can also stand up to acidic, spicy, herbal and even sweet flavors.
Here are some of my favorite condiment and sauce ideas to serve with salmon
Creamy Dill Sauce
A creamy, herby dill sauce is one of my all-time favorites with salmon. When you eat salmon, the lemon and dill give it a fresh taste that cuts through the fat. It’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor because it’s made with Greek yogurt, mayo, and chives. Drizzle liberally over grilled or baked salmon fillets.
Spicy Maple Mustard
If you like a kick of heat, a spicy maple mustard sauce is sure to satisfy Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet, tangy base Then add cayenne and chili powder to turn up the heat. The sweetness pairs amazingly with salmon, countering any fishy flavors. This sauce would go well with just about any salmon preparation.
Hot Honey Butter
For an indulgent, restaurant-worthy sauce, you can’t go wrong with hot honey butter. Mix softened butter with hot sauce, honey, lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Slather it over grilled or broiled salmon just before serving. The honey mellows out the spiciness for the perfect balance of flavors.
Brown Sugar Teriyaki
Teriyaki sauce is a go-to for salmon, but I especially love this brown sugar teriyaki variation. The brown sugar adds subtle sweetness and caramelized flavors as the sauce reduces. Tamari and rice vinegar provide the classic salty-sweet teriyaki profile. Toss salmon fillets in the sauce before broiling or grilling for irresistible results.
Miso Lemon Butter
Miso paste mixed into melted butter makes for an ultra savory, umami-packed sauce for salmon. Lemon brightens up the deep, salty taste of the miso. Drizzle the sauce over salmon before baking or broiling. The miso lemon butter bakes into the fish creating the most amazing crust.
Buttery Caper Sauce
Capers add a briny, acidic punch that complements rich salmon wonderfully. For this easy pan sauce, cook capers in butter until warmed through and slightly crispy. Splash in some lemon juice and white wine to deglaze the pan. Spoon the chunky, buttery caper sauce over pan seared or baked salmon fillets.
Caramelized Honey Miso
For next level umami flavor, try caramelizing miso paste in honey before mixing it into a glaze. The caramelization process makes the miso deeper and richer. Mix in rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to finish the glaze. Brush onto salmon before broiling or grilling for amazing charred, caramelized edges.
Basil Pesto
Pesto is a fresh and herbaceous option for salmon. While traditional basil pesto is always great, you could also use cilantro, parsley or even mint. The key is to keep it bright with lemon juice and nicely blended with olive oil and nuts or seeds. Dollop pesto over pan seared salmon right when it finishes cooking.
Chimichurri
For a burst of summer flavor, serve salmon with an Argentinian chimichurri sauce. Combine parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and red pepper flakes for an instant sauce packed with fresh herbs. It’s extremely versatile pairing well with just about any salmon preparation. Spoon it over grilled or baked salmon or serve it on the side for dipping.
Soy Ginger Glaze
Ginger has a natural affinity for salmon. When mixed into a sweet and salty soy sauce glaze, it makes for finger licking good salmon every time. Sauté minced ginger then whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and sesame oil. Brush onto the salmon liberally before broiling or grilling. The caramelized ginger flavors are phenomenal.
Garlic Lemon Butter
Buttery lemon garlic sauce is hands down one of the best quick sauces for salmon fillets. Melt butter over low heat then mix in minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley and optional capers. Simmer just until the garlic softens. Drizzle liberally over baked salmon or freshly grilled fillets. The brightness of the lemon balances perfectly with the butter and garlic.
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish has a wonderful way of cutting through the fattiness of salmon. When blended into a creamy sauce, it makes for a decadent pairing. Mix prepared horseradish into a base of sour cream, mayo or Greek yogurt along with fresh dill and chives. Dollop onto grilled or baked salmon just before serving. The cool, pungent horseradish sauce is addictive.
Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
For a fresh Mexican style sauce, try an avocado tomatillo salsa. Blend diced avocado with tomatillos, onion, cilantro, lime juice and serrano chiles. The salsa adds creaminess along with bright acidic flavors to complement the salmon. Spoon it over pan seared salmon fillets just before serving.
Honey Mustard Glaze
Honey and mustard make for an easy, tangy glaze for salmon fillets. Whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, garlic powder and lemon juice. Brush the glaze onto salmon before broiling, grilling or baking. The sweet and tangy flavors pair wonderfully with the fish.
Green Goddess Sauce
Green goddess dressing converted into a sauce makes for an herby, bright topping for salmon. Blend parsley, tarragon, chives, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic and anchovies. The herbaceous, tangy sauce complements rich salmon beautifully. Drizzle over grilled, poached or smoked salmon.
Peanut Sauce
For an Asian inspired peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Thin it out with water until pourable. The nutty, salty, gingery flavor is fantastic with salmon. Use as a dip for baked salmon pieces or drizzle over grilled fillets.
Beurre Blanc
Beurre blanc is an elegant, classic French sauce for salmon. Simmer white wine, vinegar, shallots and herbs until reduced. Turn heat to low and whisk in cold butter piece by piece until emulsified. The sauce has a rich, buttery flavor with acidity from the wine and vinegar. Nap over poached or pan seared salmon.
Jalapeño Lime Sauce
Jalapeños and lime add fresh flavor and moderate spice to balance salmon’s richness. For an easy sauce, sauté minced jalapeños in olive oil. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, honey and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over salmon fillets before baking or drizzle over grilled salmon.
Orange Ginger Glaze
Sweet, tangy orange mixed with spicy ginger makes for a stellar salmon glaze. Cook minced ginger in oil then whisk in orange juice, soy sauce, honey and vinegar. Brush onto salmon before broiling or grilling. The lacquered salmon picks up amazing caramelized notes from the sugar in the orange juice.
Blackberry Balsamic Glaze
For an elegant fruit based glaze, simmer blackberry preserves with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced shallots and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Once thickened, brush the glaze onto salmon fillets before baking or grilling. The sweet yet tangy glaze balances beautifully with the fish.
Salsa Verde
Italian salsa verde is a fresh herbal sauce that pairs fantastically with salmon’s richness. Chop up parsley, basil, oregano, capers, garlic, anchovies, and olives. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. Spoon salsa verde over grilled, baked or poached salmon for a burst of summer flavor.
Harissa Yogurt
Give salmon a touch of heat and exotic flair with a spicy harissa yogurt sauce. Mix harissa paste into Greek yogurt along with lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Harissa’s aromatic chili flavor complements the salmon wonderfully. Dollop the sauce over grilled fillets or drizzle onto composed salmon dishes.
Chili Lime Butter
For a bold, Mexican inspired flavor, mix chili powder and lime juice into melted butter. Spoon this spicy lime butter over salmon while it’s hot off the grill or broiler. The heat and acidity help cut through salmon’s richness. Cilantro, garlic or chipotle peppers could also be added to the mix.
Pickled Must
Asian Grilled Salmon: For When You Need a Simple Asian Recipe
Any Asian cooking can be intimidating for those who’ve never practiced the region’s many cuisines at home before, but this recipe from Ina Garten makes achieving Asian flavors easy, with very few ingredients. A mustard, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic marinade becomes a sauce for your grilled salmon, after you’re finished with the cooking process. The entire recipe comes together in just over half an hour, for a simple salmon entree to go alongside your favorite Asian rice dish or salad.
Creamy Horseradish Sauce: For When You’re in the Mood for Dipping
Maybe you have a kid at the table that loves foods they can dip. Maybe you’re that kid (or rather, kid at heart). Whatever the reason youre on the hunt for the perfect dipping sauce for your salmon, you’ve found it.
This creamy horseradish sauce from Epicurious was made for dipping, with the bold and creamy blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice, soy sauce and basil making for the perfect accompaniment for a light, flaky salmon fillet.
Salmon with Creamy Herb & Garlic Sauce
FAQ
What tastes good on salmon?
What pairs nicely with salmon?
What goes well with salmon?
The combination of fresh dill, tangy sour cream, and zesty lemon juice creates a delicious and refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich and flaky salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder until well combined.
Is eating salmon beneficial?
Salmon is beneficial for health and is part of a healthy and balanced diet. Salmon has vitamin D, healthy fats, calcium, selenium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein.
What is a good condiment for salmon patties?
This family-friendly sauce is a blend of sweet and tangy mustard with a hint of honey. It’s the perfect condiment for salmon patties, as it enhances the natural flavors of the fish. For a more savory flavor, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill or tarragon.
What is a good topping for a salmon filet?
It’s the perfect topping for a simple sous vide salmon filet! Pesto Genovese, or classic Italian basil pesto, is an irresistibly herbaceous 5-ingredient sauce. Use it to elevate a bowl of pasta, drizzle it on a pizza, or spread it on a sandwich.