Learn how to grill salmon perfectly so that it is succulent, flavorful, and never dry! Pro tips + two ways for delicious grilled salmon, and seasoning options you'll love. Show
Warm weather calls for the grill. And if it’s grilled fish you’re after, salmon is a good choice because it can stand up to the heat and won’t fall apart, and it will also keep its distinct rich flavor. Perfect grilled salmon is flaky, charred, juicy, and never dry. It should also be pale pink in color with no rubbery edges. There are two easy ways to cook salmon on the grill: directly on the grill or in foil. In this post, I’ll show you both recipes, plus my no-fail tips for how to grill salmon so that it is delicious and never dry! And if you’re looking for the best fish seasoning, you’ll have some options for that too! Now, whether you choose to grill your salmon directly over the hot grates, or you try grilled salmon in foil, your fish will be cooked anywhere between 8 and 18 minutes. That’s why it’s a great idea to work on your sides and salads before you put your fish on the grill. In this postThe best salmon for grillingWhether you’re working with wild-caught or quality, responsibly raised fish, the cut of salmon will make a difference. Here is what I look for grilling:
Best seasoning for salmonSalmon is a rich and slightly oily fish that can take a variety of seasonings and marinades very well. First, be sure to dry the salmon well and season with kosher salt, from there, you can your seasoning or marinade of choice. Here are a few options to season your salmon fillet:
How to grill salmonCooking salmon on the grill directly over the hot grates will take less than 10 minutes! Here is how:
Grilled salmon in foilIf you're looking to cook a large fillet of salmon on the grill, wrap it in foil! It's much easier to manage this way, and you'll get a tender piece of fish that is impressive looking. This method takes about 14 to 18 minutes. Here’s how to grill salmon in foil:
Grilled salmon FAQsBest temperature for salmon on the grill The best grill temperature for salmon depends on what method you’re using. For the perfect salmon on the grill without foil, start with a very hot grill that’s around 450 degrees F. This will give your salmon the perfect sear without drying it out. (The grill should be hot enough that you can hold a hand an inch or so above the grill for only a couple of seconds.) After turning the fish, reduce the temperature to medium to medium-high – about 350 to 400 degrees F. If you’re grilling salmon in foil, your grill should be heated to medium-high (375 to 400 degrees F) for tender, flaky grilled salmon. How long should I grill salmon? If you’re cooking it directly on the grill, the fish will usually take 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. How long to grill salmon in foil? Grilling salmon in foil takes between 14 to 18 minutes, again depending on how thick the piece of fish is. Do you flip salmon on the grill? Yes, if you're cooking the fish directly on the hot grates, you'll start with the flesh side down first (skin facing you) then flip it over once after 2 to 3 minutes or when you see some grill marks on the layer touching the grates. Do you cook salmon with grill open or closed? Cook the salmon with the grill lid closed. Keeping the fish covered helps to maintain an even temperature in the grill, similar to how an oven would maintain its temperature. This helps the salmon cook evenly. How do you know when your salmon is done on the grill? Cooked salmon is ready when it flakes easily at the touch of a fork. It should register an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part. However, to make sure your salmon is moist and never dry, remove it from the heat when its internal temperature is around 135 to 140 degrees F and allow it to rest briefly (the temperature will continue to rise). What to serve with salmonWhen the weather is warm, there’s nothing like a piece of perfect salmon cooked on the grill with a drizzle of tahini green goddess sauce and a fresh salad (try avocado salad, cucumber salad, or Panzanella). But since you’re firing up the grill anyway, why not grill some vegetables?! And if you need something starchy to serve along, try my potato salad or serve your salmon over a bed of bulgur wheat. Leftovers and storage tipsCooked salmon filets will keep in the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container. I don’t like to reheat salmon because it inevitably dries out and becomes rubbery. So I turn leftovers into a How long do you cook salmon in 400 degree oven?At 400°F (C), a piece of salmon takes about 10-15 minutes to bake, or until the temperature reaches 135 degrees at its thickest, most internal part. At 425°F (215°C), you'll want to aim for four to six minutes per half-inch of thickness for the most tender, buttery fillets possible.
Is 400 degrees too hot for salmon?Baking salmon at 400 degrees F is the perfect temperature to cook the fish and get crispy skin. If you're looking for a more gentle cooking method, you can bake salmon at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
How long to cook 1 lb salmon at 400?A 1 lb portion of salmon should cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 F.
How long does it take salmon to grill on the grill?Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Place salmon skin-side up and close the grill lid. Grill salmon for 6-8 minutes. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
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