Perfect Grilled Salmon Recipe

Master the perfect grilled salmon with our foolproof recipe. Learn three easy grilling methods plus delicious marinade options for juicy, flaky fish every time!

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Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Best grilled salmon recipes, Grilled Salmon, Grilled salmon in foil, Grilled salmon sauce

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 22

Servings:

Calories: 350kcal

Cost: $32-40

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

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition