How To Grill Salmon (Easy Grilled Salmon Recipe)

When it comes to making a healthy and satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare, it doesn’t get much better than this grilled salmon recipe. Although grilling any type of fish can be intimidating it is actually very easy when you use the recipe below.

However, before you place the fish on the hot grill be sure to add a little flavor by sprinkling a homemade dry rub on top of the filets. It is made from a combination of spices that you most likely already have in your kitchen.

Simply mix the dry rub ingredients together and sprinkle it on top of the salmon and begin grilling. Once cooked the spices penetrate the surface of the salmon you will be sure to have great flavor in every bite.

This is a great recipe to make on a busy weeknight because it takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Not to mention that salmon goes well with just about any side dish.

You can even make the entire meal on the grill if you make a Potato Pack, Grilled Vegetables or Grilled Corn on the Cob. Not only will dinner be ready at once, you can be sure that at the end of the night, it is easy to clean up!

What Is The Best Type of Salmon To Purchase

When it comes to buying salmon, you’re faced with two basic choices – wild-caught or farm-raised. Wild-caught salmon is superior in terms of both taste and nutritional value. It has a stronger, more distinctive flavor and higher levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

Farm-raised salmon, on the other hand, can be a more affordable option and is more widely available year-round. However, it often contains more fat and potentially, depending on farming practices, higher levels of contaminants.

For this recipe, wild-caught Alaskan salmon is the preferred choice due to its superior flavor and health benefits. However if you can find farm-raised salmon that has the eco-friendly blue seal of approval from the Marine Stewardship Council that would be a good second choice.

How To Best Season Grilled Salmon

Salmon can take on several different flavors depending on the season used. The seasoning used in this recipe is a blend of simple yet flavorful spices that you most likely already have in your kitchen.

Garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried basil, and Kosher salt and used to create the dry rub. These seasonings work together to enhance the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering it.

However, salmon also pairs well with many other seasonings. Some other popular options include dill, lemon zest, black pepper, smoked paprika, or even a touch of brown sugar for a sweet-salty flavor profile.

You can even use honey, garlic, soy sauce & Sriracha sauce to make an unbelievably delicious Honey Garlic Salmon recipe.

The Keys To Grilling Salmon

Many of us steer away from grilling salmon due to the fear that the delicate filets will be difficult to cook. Although it may seem intimidating, there are a few keys to grilling salmon to perfection.

1. Room Temperature Salmon – Let your salmon sit out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. This will prevent the salmon from going into shock from being transferred from a cold environment to an extremely hot one.

2. Keep The Skin On – The skin acts as a barrier to prevent the delicate flesh from overcooking. Then once grilled the skin of the salmon will easily peel off.

3. Oil The Salmon & The Grill Grates – Before grilling, lightly oil both the salmon and grill grates to prevent sticking. The oil on the fish will allow the dry rub to adhere to the surface and oiling the grates will prevent the fish from sticking.

4. Cook On Medium Heat – Instead of firing up the grill to a high temperature place the burners over medium heat. This will help prevent the salmon from cooking too fast and having that white creamy substance appear at the top surface.

5. Cook With The Grill Lid Down – It is best to keep the grill lid down when grilling salmon. This will allow the heat to rotate around the filets and ensure even cooking.

6. DO NOT OVERCOOK – Lastly, be careful not to overcook the salmon as it can become dry and lose its flavor. As soon as the fish can flake easily with a fork, it is time to remove it from the grill.

How To Know When Salmon Is Cooked

Knowing when your salmon is perfectly cooked can be a bit tricky, but there are a few telltale signs. The salmon is ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest section of the filet.

However, instead of relying solely on the internal temperature, there are other ways that you can tell when the salmon is ready to be pulled off the grill. The first way is simply by the look of the salmon. It will turn from pink to slightly opaque in color.

At that point, the texture of the filets will transition from soft and pliable to somewhat firm. In addition, the fish will easily flake with a fork when cooked through.

Be mindful not to overcook salmon, as it can quickly turn from moist and tender to dry and tough. And with the cost of salmon on the rise, no one wants that!

The Best Way To Grill Salmon

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 salmon filets (6 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoon olive oil, divided

Dry Rub Ingredients

• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling to bring the fish to near room temperature. Heat the grill over medium heat.

As the grill heats, rub 1 teaspoon olive oil entirely over each piece of fish, including the skin side. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub seasonings. Then sprinkle over the top of each piece of fish.

Place the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a shallow bowl. Then fold a paper towel and hold it together with grilling tongs and dip the paper towel in the olive oil and grease the grill grates.

Place the salmon pieces, skin side down on the grill and close the lid. Grill for 5 minutes or until you can see the sides of the salmon turning opaque in color half way up the sides of the salmon filets.

Then use a metal fish grilling spatula to carefully flip the salmon over. This will help prevent the skin from peeling off when flipped with a standard grilling spatula.

Cover and continue to grill for 4-5 minutes. Flip one more time and check for doneness.

The fish should be slightly firm and flake when checked with a fork. Remove and serve immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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