How To Cook Salmon On Grill? | A Step-By-Step Guide

Salmon is a tasty, versatile, and nutritious fish that’s perfect for grilling. When it comes to preparing salmon, grilling is a great way to lock in the flavors and create a crispy and juicy texture. Whether you’re a novice or an expert grill master, cooking salmon can be a bit intimidating. In this blog post, we’ll show you the ultimate guide of how to cook salmon on grill so you can impress your friends and family at your next cookout. From choosing the right salmon to getting the perfect grill marks, we’ve got you covered.

Types Of Salmon

The first step to cooking the perfect salmon on the grill is to choose the right fish. Here are a few of the most popular types of salmon for grilling:

• Atlantic Salmon: This type of salmon is high in omega 3 fatty acids and has a mild taste. It’s also known for its flaky texture when cooked.
• Sockeye Salmon: This type of salmon has a stronger flavor than Atlantic salmon and is richer in omega 3 fatty acids. It’s also known for its firm texture when cooked.
• Chinook Salmon: This type of salmon has a sweet, mild taste and is the most popular among chefs due to its delicate yet firm texture.

Ingredients To Cook Salmon On Grill

Once you’ve chosen the type of salmon, it’s time to prep your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to cook salmon on grill:

• 2 pounds of fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How To Cook Salmon On Grill?

Choose The Right Type Of Salmon

When it comes to grilling, not all salmon is equal. The best salmon for grilling is a thick fillet with the skin on. Sockeye, coho, or king salmon are great choices. Make sure the fillet is fresh and has a bright color. Avoid any fillets that have a dull color or a strong fishy smell.

Preheat Your Grill

Before you cook your salmon, you need to preheat your grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat and let it get hot for at least 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the grill.

Season Your Salmon

Season your salmon with your favorite spices, herbs, or marinade. You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or you can get creative with a honey mustard or soy sauce marinade. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillet evenly.

Oil The Grill Grates

To prevent your salmon from sticking to the grill, use a paper towel to rub some oil on the grill grates. Vegetable or canola oil works best. Be careful not to use too much oil, as this can cause flare-ups.

Grill Your Salmon

Once your grill is hot and your salmon is seasoned and oiled, it’s time to grill. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the grill and close the lid. Let it cook for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. When the salmon starts to brown on the edges and releases easily from the grill, it’s time to flip it. Use a spatula to carefully flip the salmon over, and grill the other side for another 4-6 minutes. Once the salmon is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, it’s done.

Watch this video to know how to cook salmon on grill.

How Do You Know When Grilled Salmon Is Cooked?

The easiest way to check if salmon is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet, making sure not to touch any bones. The internal temperature should read 145°F for it to be fully cooked. You can also check for doneness by pressing down on the top of the fillet. If it’s firm and feels slightly springy, it’s done.

Once your salmon is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the fish.

What Is The Best Time And Temperature To Grill Salmon?

The best time and temperature to grill salmon is at medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side. The ideal internal temperature of cooked salmon is 145°F. Its important to keep a close on your salmon when grilling, as it can overcook quickly.

Tips To Cook Salmon On Grill

• Use thick fillets with the skin on for best results.
• Preheat your grill before you start cooking.
• Season your salmon to give it extra flavor.
• Brush oil on the grill grates and use a spatula to carefully flip the salmon.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the salmon has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Let your salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook the perfect piece of grilled salmon every time. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or adding it to your favorite recipes, grilling salmon is a great way to get the most out of this delicious fish.

Sauces To Serve With Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon can be enjoyed on its own, or accompanied by a variety of sauces. Creamy dill sauce or horseradish aioli are great options to compliment the flavors of the fish. For something sweeter, try a honey garlic glaze for a rich and savory taste.

A classic option is teriyaki sauce, which adds a hint of sweetness and umami flavor to the dish. You can also try a classic barbecue sauce or a mango salsa for something different.

Here are some seasonings and sauces to use with grilled salmon:

• Honey Lemon Garlic
• Firecracker
• Taco Seasoning
• Chili Maple Lime
• Blackened Seasoning
• Spicy Maple
• Honey Mustard

Whatever your preference may be, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds when it comes to grilled salmon.

What To Serve With Cooked Salmon On Grill?

Now that you know how to cook salmon on grill, it’s time to think about sides.

Grilled vegetables, couscous salad, or a creamy potato salad are all great options to serve with your grilled salmon.

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

For a more filling meal, serve your grilled salmon with a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice.

With so many different sides to choose from, it’s easy to turn your grilled salmon into a delicious and complete meal.

Related posts: how long to cook salmon on the grill

How To Store Leftover Grilled Salmon?

Once you’re done cooking and eating your grilled salmon, it’s important to store any leftovers properly.

Let the cooked salmon cool down before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to two months. To do so, wrap the fish in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.

Freezing cooked salmon will help keep it fresh for longer, but be sure to consume it within two months for the best results.

Grilled salmon is a tasty and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor. By following these tips, you can easily learn how to cook salmon on the grill and enjoy it as part of a complete meal.

Conclusion: How To Cook Salmon On Grill?

Cooking salmon on the grill is easier than you think. By following these simple steps of how to cook salmon on grill, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to choose the right salmon, preheat your grill, season your salmon, oil the grill grates, and grill your salmon to perfection. With a little practice and some creativity, you can create endless variations of grilled salmon that will make your taste buds dance. Thanks for reading at mollysmtview!

FAQ: Cook Salmon On Grill

How long does salmon need to be on the grill?

Prepare perfect salmon on the grill by brushing with oil to prevent sticking. After placing the salmon skin-side up, close the lid and cook for 6-8 minutes before carefully flipping. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and easily flakes. Enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked meal in no time.

Do you have to flip salmon on the grill?

Do you want perfect grill marks on both sides of your salmon? Simply place it on an oiled, heated grill and wait for it to release itself from the grates. Then, gently flip it over with a wide spatula. It’s that easy.

Do you grill salmon directly on the grill or in foil?

Discover the secret to perfectly moist and tender salmon on the grill: wrap it in foil. This technique guarantees a flaky and delicious end result without the worry of it falling apart or sticking to the grill grates. Say goodbye to dry salmon and hello to a foolproof grilling method.

Can you put salmon straight on the grill?

Discover two simple methods for grilling salmon: directly on the grill or in foil. This post includes both recipes along with my foolproof techniques for ensuring tender, juicy salmon every time. Plus, find out about some of the top seasoning options to take your fish to the next level.

How can you tell when grilled salmon is done?

Assessing the doneness of your salmon can be effortless. Simply apply gentle pressure on the top of the fillet using a fork or your finger, and if the flesh flakes apart smoothly along the white lines that cross the fillet (which are strips of fish fat), then it’s fully cooked. At this point, it’s essential to remove it from the heat source.

Do you cook salmon with grill open or closed?

Grill your fillet by placing it skin-side up and closing the lid for 1-2 minutes. Then, flip the fish over and close the lid again until grill marks have formed. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked. Enjoy your perfectly grilled fish.

How to cook salmon on the grill without foil?

Grill salmon fillets directly on clean grates skin-side down. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, then remove from grill once the internal temperature hits 130°F. Allow the fillets to rest for 5 minutes before serving. A perfectly grilled salmon dish awaits.

Which side of salmon to grill first?

When cooking salmon, it’s best to leave the skin on for added protection between the fish and the cooking surface. Begin cooking with the skin-side down to achieve a crispy texture. The skin also serves as a helpful tool for flipping the fish, as it can be easily maneuvered with a fish spatula compared to the delicate flesh.

How do you grill salmon without burning it?

To address this issue, Wild Salmon Co. offers two effective solutions. Firstly, brush oil on the fillets and apply a light coating of grease on the grill before lighting it up. Secondly, after brushing the grates with oil, adjust the heat to medium (350 to 450°F) and close the lid. These two methods will guarantee success.

Should salmon be cold before grilling?

To ensure perfect grilling, it’s best to bring the salmon fillets to room temperature before cooking. Simply let them sit, seasoned to perfection, for approximately 20 minutes prior to firing up the grill. This small step will make all the difference in the taste and texture of your dish.

What is the best method to grill salmon?

Achieving perfect grilled fish is easy with a blazing hot grill. Place the fish skin side down on hot grates for 6-8 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal once it’s perfectly cooked. This technique works well for other proteins too.

Should you grill salmon on both sides?

Optimal grilling salmon are fillets featuring skin on one side. This skin acts as a guard during cooking and efficiently drips fat onto the grate for effortless flipping of the fish.