Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon

Published April 11, 2025

Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon
Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
1½ hours
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes, plus at least 1 hours’ marinating
Rating
5(561)
Comments
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This weeknight-friendly recipe leans on Greek yogurt for a fish marinade that not only adds flavor, but also makes for salmon that’s even more tender than usual. The yogurt works on the salmon slowly, with less risk of “cooking” (or denaturing) the fish that citrus- or vinegar-based marinades pose, and acts as a protective crust, sealing in moisture as the salmon bakes. The marinade in this recipe calls for mostly pantry and fridge staples, along with grated fresh ginger and garlic, but feel free to use the yogurt as a starting point and add your own favorite spices and seasonings.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • ½cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
  • 2teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1large or 2 small garlic cloves, grated or minced 
  • 1teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
  • 4(6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets 
  • Chopped fresh dill, for serving
  • 1lemon, quartered, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

467 calories; 32 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 38 grams protein; 566 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, mustard, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, and whisk until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    Add the salmon fillets, tossing to coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. (Do not marinate for longer, or the texture of the fish might become overly soft).

  3. Step 3

    Heat the oven to 375 degrees and place a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a sheet pan with foil and arrange the salmon fillets, evenly spaced, on the pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and whether they are cut from the center or end of a side of salmon. (The center should still be slightly undercooked; the salmon will finish cooking under the broiler.)

  4. Step 4

    Adjust the oven temperature to broil and broil the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes, until the salmon is lightly browned at the edges.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the fillets to a serving dish and season lightly with salt and pepper. Top with chopped fresh dill and serve with the lemon quarters on the side.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
561 user ratings
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Comments

@Nell Gas stoves have broilers

We prepare another recipe for yogurt marinated salmon that uses Indian spices. The fish is baked on a foil lined sheet pan at 450F for 11-13 minutes. Comes out perfect every time.

@Nell The assumption is that you remove the fish from the oven, change the setting to broil on your gas oven, and then put the fish back in once the broiler is ready. I’ve had gas ovens with a broiler drawer and where you broil in the oven itself by moving a rack near the top.

Tastes OK, but not better than a much plainer salmon. Too much bother for too little return.

Creamy and delicious sauce. If, like us, you only had vanilla greek yogurt, use it. You couldn't tell. We also had some whitefish (not sure what) and put it on that and just as good. The sauce on the fish and the fish on grits makes sure you get every last lick.

It was great. Looked at my GF and patted myself on the back. She said there have been plenty of dogs. (Ironically, he was barking below us). She took a bite, grinned and slid over to pay me on the back. We will be having this again in the not too distant future. PS - The dog liked it too.

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