How to Grill Salmon (2 Ways)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
2415 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, American
How to Grill Salmon (2 Ways)
Description
The grilled salmon preparation starts with seasoning skin-on, center-cut fillets with kosher salt and marinating them about 20 minutes in one of several suggested marinades, such as lemon-garlic, spicy lime-harissa, herby citrus blends, or even just olive oil and salt and pepper. This allows the flavors to infuse.
Grilling begins with the salmon placed flesh-side down on a well-oiled, hot outdoor gas grill to achieve proper grill marks and partial cooking. After 1-3 minutes, depending on thickness and doneness cues, the fillets are flipped carefully to cook skin-side down until the desired firmness is reached.
Grilled salmon is best served alongside fresh sides like avocado or Greek salad, or with grilled vegetables and something starchy such as potato salad or bulgur wheat. Skin-on fillets help the fish hold together during grilling and promote even cooking.
Leftover cooked salmon can be refrigerated up to two days but is best repurposed into salmon salad rather than reheated to avoid dryness. Choosing the proper cut and marinating sufficiently contribute to a flavorful and moist result on the grill.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet skin-on, center cut fillet
- kosher salt
- Marinade see the options below, of your choice
Instructions
Method 1: Direct grilling
- Cut and season the fish. Cut the large fillet into 4 6-ounce pieces. Season with kosher salt and add the marinade of your choice (see options in the notes). Allow the salmon to marinate for 20 minutes or so (refrigerate).
- Prepare the grill. Heat an outdoor gas grill on high (grill is ready when you can hold your hand one inch above the grates for only 1 to 2 seconds). Make sure the grates are oiled to ensure that the salmon does not stick.
- Grill flesh-side down first! Arrange the salmon fillets on hot grill, flesh side down first (the skin should be facing you). Close the grill lid. Cook for 1-3 minutes on the first side, depending on how thick the fillets are.
- Flip over once. Look for grill marks on the fish, and where the fish is closest to the grill, you should see a small layer of opaque flesh. Slide a metal spatula under the fish and use a pair of tongs to hold the top, carefully turn the fish over (it will now be skin-side down).
- Lower the heat down to medium and close the grill lid. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, again depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Let the fish rest before serving. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes or so. The fish will continue to cook (it should reach a temperature of 145 degrees F before serving).
Method 2: Grilled salmon in foil
- Prepare the grill. Heat the grill to medium-high heat (375 to 400 degrees F).
- Arrange the fish in a large piece of foil. Spread a big piece of heavy-duty foil over a baking sheet so you can easily carry the salmon from the kitchen to the grill. Lightly brush the foil with extra virgin olive oil so the salmon doesn’t stick. Arrange a few slices of lemon or orange on the foil. Season the salmon well with kosher salt on both sides and place it on the citrus slices.
- Add the marinade of your choice. Spread the seasoning or marinade of your choice all over the fish fillet.
- Seal the foil to enclose the fish and the marinade. Pull the foil sides up and tightly close the foil to enclose the fish (making sure the foil is tented over the fish with a little room in between the fish and the top of the foil). Make a few small holes on the top of the foil so that the steam can escape.
- Place the foil pouch on the hot grill and close the lid. Cook the salmon for 14 to 19 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon fillet is. Check doneness at around 12 to 14 minutes for a thin piece of fish. Thicker fillets will take a few minutes more. Remember that the salmon will continue to cook as it rests.
- Let the fish rest briefly before serving. Remove from the heat and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes or so (it should reach a temperature of 145 degrees F before serving).
Notes
- Use skin-on, center-cut salmon fillets for even cooking and to keep the fish intact on the grill.
- Marinate the salmon for about 20 minutes in your chosen marinade, refrigerating during this time for best flavor.
- Grill flesh-side down first until grill marks form, then flip carefully to skin-side down, cooking until almost firm but still moist.
- Serve grilled salmon with avocado salad, Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or a starchy side like potato salad or bulgur wheat.
- Store cooked salmon for up to 2 days in an airtight container; avoid reheating to prevent dryness and consider turning leftovers into salmon salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2415 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 241.5kcal | 12% |
| Protein | 33.7g | 67% |
| Fat | 10.8g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7g | 9% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3.6g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 93.6mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 74.8mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 833.5mg | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 68IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 20.4mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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