There’s nothing like the perfect grilled salmon that will easily impress your family and guests, or even if it’s just for yourself. Mastering a grilled salmon takes a certain technique and once you get it down, one thing is for sure–you will be making this dish time and time again. This salmon recipe is certainly an easy, quick, healthy, and delicious meal that you will absolutely love.
To make flavorful grilled salmon, you don’t have to be the most skilled griller out there. In fact, this method of making salmon is a lot easier than you may think. But there are some tips and tricks that everyone should know to master a beautifully moist dish and avoid an overcooked piece of fish that gets stuck to the grill.
What’s The Best Salmon for Grilling?
This particular recipe doesn’t call for too much–in fact, all you really need are some quality ingredients, a hot grill, and to make things even easier, the best digital meat thermometer for grilling. Using a quality meat thermometer is essential in achieving consistent and delicious results. But to start, you are going to need good salmon. Wild-caught salmon is great for grilling as it has more flavor, but if you or your guests prefer a more mild flavor, then farm-raised salmon is great too.Ingredients for BBQ Salmon
- 4 6-8 ounce salmon filets with skin on (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon of good quality oil (extra virgin olive oil or grape seed oil)
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
How To Grill Salmon
Although there are many different ways you can cook salmon, there’s something about perfectly made salmon on the grill. First, you’ll want to preheat your grill. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, you’ll want to preheat your grill for about 10 minutes with the lid closed. Your grill should be at about 450-500 degrees. While your grill is preheating, add the olive or grape seed oil and season the flesh side evenly with salt and pepper. A good tip is to season just before cooking so the salt doesn’t break down the fish. Once you have added the olive oil, salt, and pepper to your salmon filet, add the filet to the hot grill (skin side down) for about 6-8 minutes. Then flip the fish and grill the flesh side down for 1-2 minutes. Having a hot grill is essential so your fish (or any type of protein) won’t stick to the grill and will easily lift off once it’s done cooking. Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes and serve with lemon wedges. https://www.chefstemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ChefsTemp-Safe-Cook-Temp-Magnet-e1625693703670.jpgWhich Side of the Salmon Should I Cook First?
When grilling fish–or any fish with the skin on–you should cook the skin side first. It is also important to always choose a cut of salmon with the skin on. The skin is important, as it adds a layer of protection between the flesh and grill while it cooks. Additionally, make sure the lid is closed to ensure a consistent cooking temperature.ChefsTemp Quick Tip:Fish and Shellfish: 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Steaks, Chops, and Roasts: 145 degrees Fahrenheit (Medium). Chicken and Turkey: 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
