Perfectly Grilled Salmon: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Updated at: 21/12/2024

Salmon, with its delicate flavour and rich omega-3s, is a culinary favourite. But achieving that perfect balance of flaky, moist interior and beautifully crisp skin can seem daunting. Forget the overcooked, dry salmon of your past; this recipe promises a juicy, restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes, even on a busy weeknight. No special equipment or years of culinary training are required – just a few simple steps and a little patience for flawlessly grilled salmon.

This quick and easy recipe will guide you through the process of achieving perfectly grilled salmon every time, from selecting the right fillet to mastering the grilling technique. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this surprisingly simple, yet incredibly impressive, dish. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and unlock the secret to succulent, perfectly grilled salmon.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always ensure your salmon fillet is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness.
  • Handle raw salmon with care to avoid cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the fish, and use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
  • Never leave grilled salmon unattended. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning or overcooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon

    • Cut salmon into slices. Leave the skin on for grilling.

  2. Season the Salmon

    • Oil the grill pan. Sprinkle salt on the skin side of the salmon. Flip and season the flesh side with salt, pepper, and gourmet seafood seasoning. Rub it in.

  3. Rest the Salmon

    • Allow the seasoned salmon to sit for 10-15 minutes.
    Let it rest: Allow the seasoned salmon to sit for 10-15 minutes.
    Rest the Salmon

  4. Preheat the Grill

    • Set your gas grill to low heat (all burners on low).
    Preheat grill: Set your gas grill to low heat (all burners on low).
    Preheat the Grill

  5. Grill the Salmon

    • Place the oiled grill pan directly on the grill grates. Grill for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Continue grilling until the salmon flakes easily and the skin is crispy (another 10-15 minutes).
    Grill the salmon: Place the oiled grill pan directly on the grill grates. Grill for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Continue grilling until the salmon flakes easily and the skin is crispy (another 10-15 minutes).
    Grill the Salmon

  6. Rest and Serve

    • Remove the salmon from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
    Rest and serve: Remove the salmon from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
    Rest and Serve

Read more: Fire Honey Glazed Shrimp Recipe

Tips

  • Leaving the skin on protects the salmon and crisps up nicely.
  • Salting the skin side helps dry it out for crispier skin.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste.
  • Using a grill pan makes handling easier.
  • If using charcoal, you'll get more smoky flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Salmon

Reason: Salmon cooks quickly and becomes dry and tough if overcooked.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).

2. Not Properly Prepping the Salmon

Reason: Patting the salmon dry and seasoning it generously are crucial for achieving a good sear and flavor.
Solution: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before grilling.

3. Grilling Over Too High Heat

Reason: High heat can cause the salmon to burn on the outside before it's cooked through on the inside.
Solution: Grill over medium heat for even cooking and to prevent burning.

FAQs

How do I prevent my salmon from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates and the salmon fillets with a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola oil. Ensure the grill is hot enough before placing the salmon on; this helps create a sear and prevents sticking.
What's the best way to tell when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can also visually check for an opaque, pearly white color throughout the thickest part of the fillet.
Can I grill salmon with skin on or off?
You can grill salmon with the skin on or off. Grilling skin-on salmon helps keep the fillet moist and adds a crispy texture to the skin. If grilling skinless, ensure the fillets are of even thickness to prevent overcooking.