Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Harissa Grilled Salmon offers a delicious and unique twist on traditional grilled salmon. The combination of harissa paste, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a marinade that infuses the salmon with rich, smoky, and spicy flavors. The grilling process enhances the taste, giving the fish a slightly charred exterior while keeping it tender and moist on the inside. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or looking to try something new, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your grill.

Ingredients

Harissa paste
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh salmon fillets
Sea salt
Ground black pepper
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to create a marinade.
Season the salmon fillets with sea salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
Rub the harissa marinade over the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is on. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 15-60 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: 25-70 minutes (including marinate time)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Grill some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus alongside the salmon for a complete meal.
Increase the Spice: If you prefer more heat, add a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Switch Up the Herb: If you don’t have cilantro or parsley, you can use dill or basil as a garnish.
Use a Different Fish: This marinade also works well with other fish such as tuna, trout, or tilapia.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, or place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought harissa paste for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought harissa paste works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to choose a high-quality one that has a balanced flavor of spices, smokiness, and heat.

Can I make my own harissa paste?

Absolutely! You can make your own harissa paste by blending ingredients like red peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

What should I serve with Harissa Grilled Salmon?

Harissa Grilled Salmon pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious with a side of rice or a yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki to balance the heat.

Can I cook this salmon in the oven instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the marinated salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork. If the salmon is thick, check it at the thickest part.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling.

Can I adjust the spice level of the marinade?

Definitely! If you want less heat, reduce the amount of harissa paste in the marinade. You can also add a bit of honey or maple syrup to balance out the heat.

How can I make the marinade more tangy?

To make the marinade more tangy, you can add more lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar (such as red wine vinegar) to the mixture.

Can I use this marinade on other types of meat?

Yes, this marinade would work well on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even pork chops. Adjust the cooking times according to the type of meat you’re using.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to mix well before using it to coat the salmon.

Conclusion

Harissa Grilled Salmon is a flavorful and easy dish that brings the heat and complexity of harissa paste to tender, perfectly grilled salmon. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, it’s healthy, quick to prepare, and customizable, making it a great addition to your regular meal rotation.

Harissa Grilled Salmon

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 25-70 minutes (including marinate time)
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Harissa Grilled Salmon is a delicious, spicy twist on traditional grilled salmon, featuring a bold harissa marinade with smoky, tangy flavors. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for grilling and pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and lemon. It’s a great option for a light, flavorful dinner, ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Harissa paste

Olive oil

Fresh lemon juice

Fresh salmon fillets

Sea salt

Ground black pepper

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to create a marinade.
Season the salmon fillets with sea salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
Rub the harissa marinade over the salmon fillets, coating them evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
Place the marinated salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is on. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Add Vegetables: Grill vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus alongside the salmon for a complete meal.

Increase the Spice: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.

Switch Up the Herb: Use dill or basil instead of cilantro or parsley for a different flavor.

Use a Different Fish: The marinade also works well with tuna, trout, or tilapia.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean, North African