Herby Harissa Marinated Salmon

 This Herby Harissa Marinated Salmon is made with smoky harissa paste, spices, and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s packed with flavor and is easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner while also being a show-stopping option for a holiday main dish or special dinner. Serve it over rice or with a fresh salad for a quick and easy meal that everyone will love.

this recipe

Why I Think You’ll Love This Harissa Salmon Recipe 

If you’ve never tried harissa, you are missing out. Harissa is smokey, slightly sweet, can be spicy, and full of flavor. It’s become one of my favorite condiments to use this year and I always have some on hand. There are endless ways to use the sauce, but my favorite way to use it recently has been in this marinated salmon recipe.

I cut my salmon in cubes and then let it marinate in combo of fresh herbs, harissa, and lemon before cooking. Ya’ll, it’s seriously so good and SO EASY. The marinade really gets into the fish and gives it the most incredible flavor in a short amount of time.

Plus, the whole thing is relatively quick and easy to make. My go-to is to serve the salmon over cilantro rice, but there are so many ways you can enjoy it. It’s become one of my favorite meals and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it, too!

Recipe Ingredients

Salmon: you’ll need a one pound salmon filet for this recipe. I like to use a thick cut center portion of Atlantic salmon. You’ll need to remove the skin (or have your fishmonger do it!) and cut it into one and half to two inch cubes.

Harissa Sauce: harissa is a red chili paste common in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. It has a rich spicy, smokey, peppery flavor that is so delicious and pairs incredibly well with the salmon.

Fresh Herbs: we’re using a generous amount fresh dill and mint in the marinade as well as to finish the fish after cooking.

Scallions: fresh thinly sliced scallion are added to the marinade.

Lemon Juice and Zest: this adds incredible flavor.

Olive Oil: this forms the base of the marinade. Choose a high-quality olive oil that you love the taste of for the best flavor.

How to Make Harissa Marinated Salmon 

Step One: Add the salmon cubes, harissa, fresh herbs, scallions, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. 

Step Two: Gently toss the salmon in the marinade until it’s well coated. Then, cover the bowl, and let it marinate for 30 minutes. 

Step Three: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the salmon onto skewers. (If using wooden, soak them in water for 20 minutes before using so that they don’t burn!)

Step Four: Place the salmon on the hot grill or grill pan, and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until it’s browned and the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step Five: Remove the salmon skewers from the grill, and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a bit of flaky salt. Enjoy! 

How Do I Know When the Salmon Is Done? 

You’ll know your salmon is done when it’s opaque pink in color, firm to the touch, and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 135 degrees before you remove it from the heat. 

Can I Make this Without a Grill Pan?

Yes! I’ve made this salmon by cooking the cubes in a cast iron skillet and it was worked well, too! I prefer using a grill pan or grill but if you don’t have that as an option a skillet will work as well. If your skillet isn’t big enough for all of the salmon to fit at one time, you’ll need to cook the fish in batches. I recommend rinsing the skillet out in between batches to ensure that the marinade doesn’t burn.

Ways to Serve

One of my favorite things about this harissa marinated salmon is how versatile it can be. I typically serve it over rice, but you can enjoy it in: 

1. Grain Bowls: start with a base of cilantro lime rice or quinoa. Then, add your salmon and all your favorite toppings like extra fresh herbs. 
2. Salads: for a lighter option, start with a base of greens. Then, add the fish and other toppings, and toss the ingredients with your favorite dressing.
3. Lettuce Wraps: serve the salmon bites in butter lettuce leaves and add your favorite toppings.

How to Store

• Store leftover harissa marinated salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. 
• Reheat in the microwave, a hot skillet with a bit of oil, or the air fryer at 350 degrees just until warmed through. 

More Delicious Salmon Recipes 

• Miso Glazed Salmon Rice Bowls 
• Salmon Burrito Bowls 
• Salmon Tacos
• Honey Mustard Salmon 
• Garlic Butter Salmon 
• Maple Glazed Salmon 

I hope you give this Marinated Harissa Salmon Recipe a try! They are so easy to make and delicious! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

Print

Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat