Mouthwatering Marinades for Every Type of Seafood

One of our favorite things about seafood is its versatility. Of course, there are so many different types of seafood and ways to prepare it—but today we are talking about some mouthwatering seafood marinades. There are literally hundreds of combinations, including sweet, savory and citrusy to punch up your dinner routine.   

The basic “rules” of building a marinade consist of a fat (olive oil is our recommendation) and acid (like citrus or vinegars) plus your favorite dried or fresh herbs and seasonings. You can also add a sweet element such as honey, agave, brown sugar or even peanut butter. Marinating seafood is different than other proteins—less time is better so the acid doesn’t break down the fish! For best results, marinate seafood for an hour or less. And, it’s a great idea to reserve a small amount of the marinade that can be used to baste the seafood during cooking. For food safety, discard any remaining liquid from the marinade prior to cooking the seafood.

To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of five different seafood-suited marinades for your favorite seafood. They are all ridiculously simple with ingredients you likely have at home. Try the Lemon, Olive Oil and Herbs for a simple Mediterranean marinade that will work with any flat fish or shrimp. For an Asian-inspired marinade try the Orange, Honey and Ginger recipe. Whether you prefer a smidgen of sweetness, a tangy zest or a kick of heat, all these healthy marinades will take your recipe to the next level. Trust us, splurge on some fresh herbs when it comes to seafood marinades. Herbs and spices contain beneficial phytochemicals that help to reduce inflammation—just like seafood!

What’s great is all these seafood marinades can be used for both oven-baked and grilled seafood. Let’s get marinating!

Lemon and Olive Oil with Fresh Herbs Marinade

This simple lemon citrus and herb marinade is a bright blend for just about any seafood—perfect for summertime. This marinade makes just the right amount for about 4 (6-oz.) fish fillets or up to 1 lb. shrimp. We recommend using tilapia, swordfish, cod, Wild Alaska Pollock, halibut or shrimp.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon)
• Favorite herbs, chopped (some of our favorites include parsley, cilantro, dill, or rosemary)

Directions:

1. Whisk olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Add herbs to mixture. 
3. Place seafood in a glass baking dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to an hour.

Orange Honey and Ginger Marinade

Equal parts sweet and zesty, this marinade has an Asian flair. Recommend trying this marinade with salmon, mahi mahi or scallops. If grilling, reserve a small amount of the marinade and brush on once you turn the seafood.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon) 
• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. fresh or jarred minced ginger
• 1 tsp. fresh or jarred minced ginger

Directions:

1. Combine ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice with honey, fresh lime juice and soy sauce
2. Add garlic ginger
3. Place seafood in a glass baking dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to an hour.
4. Remove from refrigerator and oven bake or grill.

Sesame Blend Marinade

 Another great Asian-fusion inspired marinade. Try this sesame marinade on a salmon fillet.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• Dash salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil, brown sugar, sesame seeds, soy sauce and smoked paprika. Add a dash of salt and pepper.
2. Place seafood in a glass baking dish and pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to an hour.

Chili and Lime Marinade

Add a burst of heat and flavor to your seafood with this spicy and tropical mix. Recommend trying this marinade with shrimp, tilapia or salmon!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (juice of 1 lime) 
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro  
• 1/2 tsp. of chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp. of chili powder
• Dash of salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, chili flakes and chili powder.
2. Add ½ cup fresh lime juice
3. Add salt and pepper.
4. Place seafood in a glass baking dish and pour marinade over.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to an hour.

Pro Tip: For less heat eliminate chili flakes.

Balsamic, Dill and Mustard Marinade

This sweet and tangy marinade is a refreshing addition to any type of fish!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. dill, finely chopped 
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. of whole-grain mustard or Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar with ½ teaspoon of whole-grain mustard.
2. Add in 1 clove minced garlic and top with fresh dill.