Before cooking salmon, you can soak it in a marinade or brine to enhance its flavor and moisture. Here are a few options:
Citrus Marinade: A citrus marinade adds a bright, tangy flavor to salmon. You can combine ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs like dill or parsley. Let the salmon soak in the marinade for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Soy Ginger Marinade: This Asian-inspired marinade provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Teriyaki Marinade: Teriyaki marinade adds a sweet and savory glaze to salmon. Combine soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. Let the salmon soak in the teriyaki marinade for about 15-30 minutes.
Simple Herb and Olive Oil Marinade: For a lighter option, you can simply brush the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle it with herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Regardless of the marinade you choose, it's essential to follow food safety guidelines. Always marinate salmon in the refrigerator, and discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.