Grilled Salmon – WellPlated.com

Grilled Salmon is one of the tastiest, healthiest, and most pleasurable ways to enjoy fish. With these tips, this grilled salmon recipe is easy and excellent! Here’s everything you need to know to grill perfect pieces of salmon like the pro you are (or like the pro you are about to become!).

Even if you’re a grilling novice, you’ll feel like straight-up Bobby Flay when you pull crispy-skinned, succulent fillets hot off the grill.

When I’m cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, I prefer to cook a single, large piece of fish like Grilled Salmon in Foil.

When you want to cook individual portions, however, this method for grilled salmon fillets is the one to choose.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon

To grill pieces of salmon that are 1) moist and tender (not dry!), 2) optimally seasoned, and 3) don’t stick to the grill, follow these tips:

• Choose Skin-On Salmon. If you want to cook salmon directly on the grill grates, you must use skin-on salmon fillets or the salmon will not hold together.
• Season or Marinate. Well-seasoned salmon is delicious salmon. Use Salmon Seasoning or your favorite salmon rub, try a Salmon Marinade, or make a stellar simple grilled salmon with just olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Make Sure Your Grill is CLEAN and HOT. 450°F to 500°F is the ideal temperature for grilling salmon. It will ensure the fish releases easily and that you get a nice sear.
• Only Flip Once. Fish is delicate. Whether you’re making Grilled Swordfish, Grilled Cod, or grilled salmon, flipping it more than once is very likely to cause it to fall apart. Also, if the skin gets a little messed up during flipping, no biggie—it won’t affect your final taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon. Overcooking is the biggest mistake people make when grilling salmon. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness and anticipate that the salmon’s temperature will rise as it rests. The FDA considers salmon cooked at 145°F; I recommend removing salmon between 130°F and 135°F to keep it moist.

How to Make Grilled Salmon

Look in the mirror and believe as I do: YOU’VE GOT THIS!

Keep the grill hot and clean, your thermometer and fish spatula handy, and pour yourself a beverage.

Cooking salmon on the grill is easy and fun!

This recipe will work for any kind of grill—gas grill, charcoal grill, electric grill, Traeger, etc.

Remember: no matter what kind of grill you use, cook the salmon to temperature, not to time on the clock.

The Ingredients

• Salmon. Tender, protein-packed salmon is easy and delicious on the grill. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Brushing the fillets with extra-virgin olive oil helps add flavor and moisture. It also keeps them from burning or sticking to the grill.
• Seasonings. How to grill salmon with flavor! Keep it simple with just salt and pepper (you must add these two), add garlic powder or onion powder, or spice things up as you please. See the “Ways to Season Grilled Salmon” section below for ideas.

The Directions

1. Let the salmon stand at room temperature.

2. Dry the fillets.

3. Brush the salmon with oil.

4. Sprinkle the fillets with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings.

5. Grill the salmon skin-side down over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes.

6. Flip the salmon, cooking for about 2 to 4 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes on a clean plate. ENJOY!

Ways to Season Grilled Salmon

• BBQ Grilled Salmon. Stir together 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Rub the mixture onto the fillets after brushing them with the oil. Serve with Barbecue Sauce if desired.
• Chili Lime Grilled Salmon. Season the fillets with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon honey. Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over the fillets after grilling. (This would be wonderful with Grilled Corn Salad.)
• Curry Grilled Salmon. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons curry powder to the spices listed in this grilled salmon recipe.
• Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon. Instead of olive oil, brush the salmon fillets with melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Drizzle the finished fillets with additional garlic butter and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
• Sweet, Smoky, and Spicy Grilled Salmon. Use my homemade salmon seasoning recipe. It’s linked in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate salmon in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days. 
• To Reheat. Very gently rewarm salmon in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also gently reheat salmon in the microwave. 
• To Freeze. Freeze salmon in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

What to Serve with Grilled Salmon

• Tongs. A must-have tool for grilling.
• Baking Sheet. Easily transport your fillets to the grill with a baking sheet.
• Brush. Ideal for brushing the olive oil onto the salmon.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought!

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

This crispy-topped, succulent salmon will be on repeat here all grilling season long.

You’ll fall for it hook, line, and sinker!