Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the honey and sugar are fully dissolved.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the 2 lbs salmon fillet in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors infuse.
Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking by brushing them with a bit of olive oil or using a grill-safe spray.
Grill the Salmon (Part 1): Remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the salmon flesh side down directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 5 minutes, or until the flesh has nice grill marks and starts to pull away from the grates.
Grill the Salmon (Part 2): Flip the salmon onto a piece of aluminum foil or a cedar plank. Place pads of butter on top of the fish if desired. Continue grilling for about 10 minutes more, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet.
Optional Glaze: While the salmon is grilling, you can make a glaze using the leftover marinade. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens into a glaze, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the salmon for extra flavor.
Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling with the glaze, and enjoy your delicious, juicy grilled marinated salmon!
Tips: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Cedar planks add a nice smoky flavor but should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled marinated salmon!