Try This Zesty Herby Harissa Marinated Salmon Recipe Tonight

Let’s talk about a zesty herby harissa marinated salmon that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each succulent bite of this vibrant dish.

Chili peppers and fresh herbs create an incredible marinade that infuses deep, complex notes into tender fish.

Salmon becomes an incredible canvas for bold, punchy ingredients that sing with intensity.

North African spices bring unexpected warmth and depth to your dinner plate.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly extraordinary.

Wake up your weeknight cooking routine with this mouthwatering recipe that promises to impress.

Herby Harissa Salmon That Feels Gourmet

• Speedily Marinate and Grill: This salmon recipe offers a quick 30-minute marinade and fast 6-8 minute cooking time, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.
• Flavor-Packed Excitement: The combination of harissa, dill, mint, and scallions creates a bold, zesty profile that transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary culinary experience with minimal effort.
• Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with fresh herbs and lean protein, this dish delivers nutritional benefits while providing a delicious, light meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, summer gatherings, or elegant dinner parties, this salmon recipe adapts easily to different dining scenarios and impresses guests with its vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

What’s Marinated in Harissa Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and texture for this herby marinade.

• Harissa, Dill, Mint, Scallions: Bright, zesty herbs that add complex flavor and freshness to the salmon.
• Lemon Zest: Provides citrusy brightness and aromatic depth to the marinade.

• Olive Oil: Helps to distribute flavors and prevent salmon from sticking to the grill.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Lemon: Adds a final burst of citrus acidity when squeezed over grilled salmon.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a delicate crunch and enhances the final flavor profile.

• Wooden Skewers: Used for grilling salmon, ensuring even cooking and easy handling.

Instructions for Herby Harissa Salmon

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

Create a zesty marinade by combining harissa, freshly chopped dill, mint, and scallions in a mixing bowl.

Grate lemon zest into the mixture, then drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Gently fold the salmon into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated.

Cover and let the salmon soak up the delicious herbs and spices for 30 minutes.

• Harissa
• Fresh dill
• Mint leaves
• Scallions
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Prepare your cooking surface by heating a grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

If using wooden skewers, give them a quick bath in water for 20 minutes to prevent any unwanted burning during cooking.

This prevents the skewers from becoming crispy before your salmon is perfectly done.

Step 3: Skewer and Sizzle the Salmon

Carefully thread the marinated salmon pieces onto the prepared skewers.

Place the skewers on the hot grill, creating those beautiful char marks.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the salmon develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.

The salmon should look slightly translucent and flake easily with a fork.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Flair

Remove the salmon skewers from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.

Sprinkle with additional chopped herbs and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.

The result is a vibrant, herb-packed salmon dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Salmon Tips With Herby Harissa Flair

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon to ensure the best flavor absorption and texture when marinating.
• Do not exceed 30 minutes of marination to prevent the acids from breaking down the delicate fish proteins and causing toughness.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful caramelization without burning the herb-harissa coating on the salmon.
• Select flat metal skewers to prevent salmon pieces from spinning while grilling and ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Chop herbs immediately before adding to the marinade to preserve their vibrant flavors and essential oils for maximum taste impact.

Making Harissa Salmon Perfect for a Second Serving

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Warm gently in the microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Discard salmon if it develops an off smell, slimy texture, or shows signs of discoloration to ensure food safety.

What To Eat With Harissa Salmon

• Elevate Herb-Infused Salmon Delights
• Pair Crisp White Wine: Reach for a zesty sauvignon blanc or albariño to complement the harissa's spicy kick and herbal salmon notes, balancing the dish's bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Cool Cucumber Tzatziki: Create a refreshing yogurt-based side that soothes the harissa's heat while adding creamy texture and tangy brightness to each salmon bite.
• Herbed Couscous Bed: Craft a light, fluffy couscous base scattered with fresh mint and parsley, mirroring the salmon's herb profile and providing a delicate Mediterranean-inspired foundation.
• Citrus Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon segments, fresh dill, and a light vinaigrette to echo the salmon's citrusy marinade and provide a zesty, crisp counterpoint.

Harissa Salmon Variations

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with herb-infused salt substitute or omit salt entirely, using fresh herbs and citrus zest for flavor enhancement.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap salmon with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical marinade and grilling technique to maintain similar taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure harissa paste is gluten-free, use wooden or metal skewers without wheat-based coatings, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Oven-Roasted Version: Instead of grilling, bake salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining same marinade and internal temperature guidelines.

FAQs

• What is harissa and why is it used in this recipe?

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from hot peppers, garlic, and spices. It adds a bold, complex heat and depth of flavor to the salmon, creating a zesty and exciting marinade.

• Can I use fresh or dried herbs in this recipe?

Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Dill, mint, and scallions will provide a more vibrant taste compared to dried herbs, enhancing the overall freshness of the salmon.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and has nice grill marks. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork, appearing moist and slightly translucent in the center.

• Is harissa very spicy?

Harissa’s heat can vary depending on the brand. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a mild harissa or use less of it. You can also mix it with some yogurt to reduce the intensity while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

Herby Harissa Marinated Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this herby harissa marinated salmon, bringing zesty spice and fresh herb notes to a succulent seafood centerpiece. Mediterranean culinary magic awaits you in this simple yet elegant dish that promises rich, complex layers of taste and aroma.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon filet, skin removed, cut into 1 1/2-2 inch cubes

Herb and Spice Mixture:

• 2 tablespoons harissa sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon scallions, sliced, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon juice, for serving
• Flaky sea salt, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and create a vibrant marinade by whisking harissa, finely chopped dill, mint, scallions, and lemon zest together with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Gently fold the salmon into the herb-infused harissa mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fragrant marinade.
3. Cover the marinating salmon and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the fish.
4. While the salmon marinates, prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in cool water to prevent charring during grilling.
5. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface with moderate direct heat.
6. Carefully thread the marinated salmon pieces onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
7. Place skewered salmon on the hot grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown exterior develops and the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
8. Once perfectly grilled, transfer the salmon skewers to a serving platter and enhance the dish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top.
9. Finish by garnishing with additional chopped herbs and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Quick marinating helps prevent the salmon from becoming too acidic or mushy, so stick to the 30-minute timeframe.
• Select fresh, high-quality salmon with firm flesh for the best texture and flavor absorption during marinating.
• Consider using skin-on salmon fillets for added moisture and easier grilling, which prevents sticking and maintains tenderness.
• Adjust harissa heat level by choosing mild or spicy varieties to accommodate different spice tolerances and personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg