Unlock the secrets to perfectly grilled salmon with our detailed guide. From selecting the best salmon to mastering grill temperature and timing, this resource covers everything you need to achieve succulent, flavorful fish every time. Ideal for both beginners and experienced grillers, our guide provides easy-to-follow steps, essential tips, and expert techniques to ensure your salmon turns out tender and delicious. Elevate your grilling game and enjoy a mouthwatering, healthy meal with our comprehensive tips for grilling the best salmon.
Grilles Salmon The Best Guide
In This Guide:
- The Best Salmon for Grilling
- Essential Ingredients for Grilled Salmon
- Mastering the Charcoal Grill
Introduction: When it comes to summertime grilling, salmon is a top choice, and my husband GDawg (a seasoned grilling pro) has perfected a simple yet foolproof method. While it may not be a complex recipe, this approach ensures a moist, flavorful salmon every time. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty.
Grilled Salmon Fillet with Cucumber Dill Sauce
Salmon Recipes You’ll Love:
- Mediterranean Salmon Bowls
- 10-Minute Maple-Glazed Baked Salmon
- Poached Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce
- Blackened Salmon
- Sheet-Pan Mustard Salmon Dinner
- And more!
Choosing the Best Salmon for Grilling
For grilling salmon, quality ingredients make all the difference. While wild-caught salmon offers a more robust flavor, farm-raised salmon provides a milder taste. Wild salmon tends to be leaner, whereas farm-raised salmon has a richer, buttery texture due to higher fat content.
Ingredients Needed:
- Fresh salmon fillets (king, chinook, coho, or sockeye) with the skin on
- Quality oil (grape seed oil or extra virgin olive oil)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Mastering the Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grilling adds a smoky flavor that gas grills can’t match. For best results:
- Choose Your Charcoal: Use all-natural briquettes for a cleaner burn and added flavor. Avoid lighter fluid; instead, use a charcoal chimney starter with newspaper to ignite the coals.
- Preheat the Grill: After lighting the coals, let them burn until they are covered in white ash. Spread the coals evenly and preheat the grill for about 10 minutes.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Salmon
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for a grill temperature of 450°-500°F. This ensures a hot surface that prevents sticking and promotes a perfect sear.
- Oil the Fish: Brush the flesh side of the salmon with oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Grill Skin Side Down: Start with the skin side down to protect the delicate flesh and allow the skin to crisp up. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the fish lightens in color and lifts off easily.
- Flip Carefully: Turn the salmon over and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
Salmon is cooked when it reaches 145°F, but for the best texture, remove it from the grill when it hits 125°-130°F. The residual heat will continue cooking it as it rests.
Delicious Sauces to Complement Your Salmon:
- Tartar Sauce
- Cucumber Dill Sauce
- Mango Fruit Salsa
- Dilly Creme Fraiche Sauce
- Homemade Basil Pesto
- Tomato Avocado Salsa
Recipe Card: The Best Grilled Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450°F-550°F). Clean and preheat the grates.
- Coat the flesh side of the salmon fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill skin-side down over direct heat with the lid closed for 6-8 minutes, until the salmon lightens in color and lifts easily from the grates.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until it reaches 130°F. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 73
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 1163mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: 14.3mg
What to Serve with Grilled Salmon:
- Herbaceous Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Best Potato Salad
- Avocado and Tomato Salad
- Grilled Asparagus
- Lemon Rice
- Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Tomato
For more salmon recipes and grilling tips, visit PenFood and explore our full range of delicious ideas. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Follow PenFood for more inspiration: