Oh, hey there! Ready to become the salmon-grilling pro you’ve always dreamed of? Let me show you a foolproof recipe that guarantees moist, flaky fish with perfectly crispy skin every single time—it’s seriously a game-changer! Whether you’re firing up a classic grill, going all fancy with a cedar plank, or keeping it simple with foil, this grilled salmon recipe is about to be your new favorite. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing everyone at those special gatherings, trust me, you’ll nail it every single time! Let’s get grilling, shall we?
Why You'll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the way Grilled Salmon transforms on the grill, developing a beautifully crisp exterior while staying tender and flaky inside. The gentle kiss of smoky char enhances the fish’s natural richness, creating a dish that feels both effortless and elegant. This recipe is all about striking the perfect balance—allowing the fresh, delicate flavors of salmon to shine while adding just the right touch of seasoning to elevate every bite.
One of the best things about this Grilled Salmon recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re a purist who loves to keep things simple with just salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or someone who enjoys experimenting with bold marinades and spice rubs, this dish adapts beautifully to any flavor profile. You can go for a classic garlic butter glaze, a zesty citrus-herb marinade, or a smoky barbecue-inspired seasoning, depending on your mood and the occasion.
Grilling salmon is not just about taste—it’s also about the experience. The sizzle as it hits the grates, the aroma of perfectly seared fish filling the air, and the satisfaction of serving a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, preparing a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, or looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Grilled Salmon recipe is guaranteed to impress. With just a few ingredients and a little time on the grill, you’ll have a dish that’s simple, wholesome, and bursting with smoky, savory goodness.
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Ingredients
For the Basic Grilled Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or rosemary) for garnish
Choose Your Marinade (Optional):
Italian Herb Marinade:
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Marinade:
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Clove garlic, minced
Mediterranean Herb Marinade:
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (mixture of oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomato paste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
1-Prepare the Salmon :
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels
- Brush both sides with olive oil
- Season generously with salt and pepper
2-Prepare the Grill :
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F)
- Oil the grates well to prevent sticking
3-Grilling Methods (Choose One)
- Direct Grilling
- Place salmon skin-side up on the hot grill
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear
- Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork
- Foil Packet Method
- Create a foil packet with doubled-up aluminum foil
- Place lemon slices on the bottom
- Add the salmon, seasoned side up
- Seal the packet, leaving some room for steam
- Grill for 10-12 minutes
- Cedar Plank Method
- Soak cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour
- Place salmon on the plank
- Grill for 12-15 minutes with the lid closed
- Step 1 : Prepare the Salmon
Bring salmon to room temperature, pat dry, and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2 : Prepare the Grill
Clean and oil grill grates, then preheat to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Step 3 : Grilling Method
Grill salmon skin-side up for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook until flaky and done.
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Long-handled grill tongs
- Fish spatula (wider than regular spatulas, perfect for flipping delicate fish)
- Instant-read thermometer
- Grill brush for cleaning
- Cedar plank (if using plank method)
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil (if using foil method)
- Pastry brush or basting brush for oil
- Small bowl for marinades
- Plastic wrap or containers for marinating Serving platter
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Grilled Salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Gently warm in a 275°F oven until just heated through
- Cold preparations: Use leftovers in salads or salmon cakes
Health Benefits
- Grilled Salmon is an Excellent source of high-quality protein
- Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
- High in B vitamins for energy metabolism
- Good source of selenium for immune function
- Natural source of vitamin D for bone health
The Sizzle of Summer: Grilled Salmon Perfection
The first time I grilled salmon, I was mesmerized by the sizzle as it kissed the hot grates, the rich aroma of smoky char and citrus filling the air. It wasn’t just about cooking—it was an experience. I watched as the salmon fillet transformed, its edges crisping to golden perfection while the inside stayed tender, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
I still remember the way my family gathered around, drawn in by the irresistible scent. A simple squeeze of fresh lemon, a sprinkle of herbs, and suddenly, what started as a humble fillet had become the star of the table. Grilled Salmon is more than just a meal; it’s about slowing down, savoring each bite, and embracing the effortless elegance of cooking over an open flame. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress. One bite, and you’ll understand why grilling salmon is not just cooking—it’s an art.
FAQ
How long should salmon be cooked on a grill?
For a 1-inch thick Grilled Salmon fillet, cook over medium-high heat (375-400°F) for about 4-5 minutes per side. The fish should release easily from the grates when it's ready to flip. If your fillet is thicker than 1 inch, adjust the cooking time by adding approximately 1 minute per additional ½ inch of thickness. For the best texture and juiciness, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness or 140°F for well-done, and always let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Is it better to grill salmon in foil or not?
Both grilling methods offer great results, depending on your preference. Direct grilling creates a beautiful crispy crust and smoky, charred flavor, making it ideal if you love a slightly caramelized exterior. On the other hand, grilling salmon in foil helps retain more moisture, prevents sticking, and ensures a softer, more tender fillet. If you prefer Grilled Salmon with a crispy exterior, go for direct grilling. If you’re looking for a more delicate and foolproof approach, wrapping the salmon in foil is a great way to keep it extra juicy.
How to keep salmon moist when grilling?
To ensure perfectly moist and flavorful Grilled Salmon, start by brining or marinating the fish for at least 30 minutes before grilling—this helps lock in moisture and adds flavor. Be careful not to overcook the salmon—an internal temperature of 125°F is ideal for medium doneness. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute. If you're worried about dryness, grilling in a foil packet or on a cedar plank helps preserve moisture while infusing the fish with extra flavor.
What is the secret to the best Grilled Salmon ?
The key to perfect Grilled Salmon starts with choosing high-quality, fresh fish. Before grilling, let the salmon come to room temperature, as cooking cold salmon straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking. Season well with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, lemon, and herbs, or try a marinade for extra flavor. The most crucial step? Don’t overcook it! Watch the internal temperature and remove the salmon from the grill when it reaches 125°F for a moist, flaky texture. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving for the most tender and flavorful results.
Fire Up the Flavor: Grilled Salmon Like a Pro!
Oh, hi there, fellow foodie! If you're craving restaurant-quality grilled salmon without leaving your kitchen, you’ve just found your golden ticket—no reservations required! Whether you're planning a cozy dinner for two or throwing a backyard feast, this recipe is your go-to for effortless elegance and bold flavor.
Here’s a pro tip: for the most even, juicy cook, let your salmon come to room temperature before grilling—trust me, it makes all the difference. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Experimenting with different marinades can take your Grilled Salmon to the next level. Feeling adventurous? Try a honey mustard glaze, a garlic-herb rub, or a smoky BBQ marinade—the possibilities are endless!
When you give this recipe a shot, drop back in and share your marinade masterpiece in the comments—I’d love to hear about your flavor creations! And if you’re looking for more mouthwatering meal prep inspiration, don’t miss our Perfect Steak and Potatoes Recipe or dive into the smoky, tender goodness of our BBQ Beef Back Ribs. Now, go fire up that grill and let the magic happen. Happy grilling, my friend!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this grilled salmon recipe:
Perfect Grilled Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill (gas or charcoal)
- 1 Long-handled grill tongs
- 1 Fish spatula (wider than regular spatulas, perfect for flipping delicate fish)
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
- 1 Grill brush for cleaning
- 1 Cedar plank (if using plank method)
- 1 Heavy-duty aluminum foil (if using foil method)
- 1 Pastry brush or basting brush for oil
- 1 Small bowl for marinades
- 1 Plastic wrap or containers for marinating
- 1 Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Basic Grilled Salmon:
- 6 ounce salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or rosemary) for garnish
Choose Your Marinade (Optional):
Italian Herb Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Mediterranean Herb Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mixture of oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato paste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels
- Brush both sides with olive oil
- Season generously with salt and pepper
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
- Place salmon skin-side up on the hot grill
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear
- Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork
Step 3: Grilling Methods (Choose One)
Direct Grilling
- Place salmon skin-side up on the hot grill
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear
- Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
- The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork
Foil Packet Method
- Create a foil packet with doubled-up aluminum foil
- Place lemon slices on the bottom
- Add the salmon, seasoned side up
- Seal the packet, leaving some room for steam
- Grill for 10-12 minutes
Cedar Plank Method
- Soak cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour
- Place salmon on the plank
- Grill for 12-15 minutes with the lid closed
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