What's the best temperature for grilled salmon?

For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for a medium-high heat grill, around 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C). This ensures a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flaky.

How long to cook grilled salmon?

Grilling time depends on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Cook the salmon for 3 to 5 minutes skin side up until grill marks form and it releases from the grates, then 2 to 5 minutes skin side down, depending on the thickness. The most reliable way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It's safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 125 to 130°F (54°C). The key is to cook until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.

Do I need to marinate salmon before grilling?

Marinating is not essential, but it can add extra flavor and moisture. Try our Salmon Marinade .

Should I remove the skin before grilling?

No, leaving the skin on makes the salmon easier to grill and adds extra flavor. It also keeps the salmon moist.

What if my salmon sticks to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are hot before placing the salmon. Avoid moving the salmon too early until it has a good sear and releases easily from the grates.

My salmon seems dry after grilling. What went wrong?

Overcooking is the most likely culprit. Salmon cooks quickly, so be mindful of the cooking time. Additionally, marinating can help keep the fish moist.

Can I grill frozen salmon?

Yes, you can! Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator before grilling. Pat it dry thoroughly before placing it on the grill to avoid sticking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker frozen fillets. Typically we like the flavor of fresh salmon, but there are some high quality brands of frozen salmon.

What are some ways to season grilled salmon?

The options are endless! We recommend our homemade Seafood Seasoning blend. Another idea is the lemon and dill (see this Lemon Salmon recipe). You can also get creative with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. Or add a sauce (see these top sauces for salmon ).

Grilled Salmon (Perfectly Seasoned!)

Name: Grilled Salmon (Perfectly Seasoned!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 4 4-ounce salmon fillets, skin on (wild caught if possible); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons Seafood Seasoning*

Grilled Salmon (Perfectly Seasoned!)

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Here’s how to make the absolute best grilled salmon! It’s perfectly tender and flavored with a magic seasoning blend that takes it to new heights. Or, try our Marinated Grilled Salmon with a quick marinade.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Seafood
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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4 4-ounce salmon fillets, skin on (wild caught if possible)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons Seafood Seasoning*

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Instructions

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees).
Brine the salmon (or go to Marinated Salmon to marinade): While the grill preheats, in a shallow dish mix together 4 cups room temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes (this should be about the time it takes to preheat).
Pat the salmon dry with a clean towel. Rub it generously with oil and sprinkle it with the kosher salt and the seafood seasoning (or simply salt and pepper).
Grill the salmon skin side up for 3 to 5 minutes (where the flames aren’t directly touching the fish), until grill marks appear and it releases from the grates. Flip and cook another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until flaky and just pink at the thickest portion and the internal temperature is 125 to 130 degrees. (Salmon varies in thickness, so the cook time is different based on each piece of fish.) Allow to rest for a few minutes, then serve.

Notes

*We highly recommend making this homemade seafood seasoning! To make a quick version just for the salmon, mix 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon cumin.

**To marinade the salmon, mix up a simple marinade of soy sauce (or tamari), olive oil, rice vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic and allow to stand for 30 minutes before grilling. Go to Grilling Marinated Salmon.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/grilled-salmon/