Grilling Salmon Fillets On Gas Grill

Cooking Salmon On A Gas Grill

How to Grill Salmon Steaks and Fillets | Food Network

To grill a tasty salmon, you need to purchase firm, fresh fillets. In addition to being firm and crisp, ensure that the salmon is light pink in color and has smooth cuts to it.

Avoid buying fillets that have a fishy smell and steaks that indicate old cuts. To ensure that the fillets dont stick to the grill when barbecuing, dont forget to ask the fishmonger for skin-on fillets. Once you have made the purchase, sprinkle kosher salt on the salmon as an added protective layer doing this will ensure that the fillet does not stick or break apart while cooking.

How To Prep Salmon For The Grill

Look for small to medium fillets, always with the skin on. A 6- to 8-ounce fillet tends to be easiest to cook and a good portion size. “Ask your fishmonger for a center-cut fillet, between 1 and 2 inches thick,” says Grace Parisi, culinary director of Sitka Salmon Shares. “A thicker cut is easier to cook medium rare” the ideal temperature for your filets.

Leaving the skin on protects the fish on the grill, but if you plan to eat the crispy skin, be sure to scale it thoroughly before seasoning.

Salt your fish at least 10 to 15 minutes before it hits the grill to firm up the flesh. Salt acts like a dry brine, pulling out moisture and making it easier to grill. Then, rub olive oil lightly over the fillet and season as you wish. Take this opportunity to remove any pin bones you may feel while coating your filets in oil.

“Usually, it’s best to grill proteins at room temperature, for even cooking,” Parisi says. “But I’ve found that it’s ok to grill salmon chilled, as long as the grill is hot, especially if you like your salmon with crispy skin yet a little pink on the inside.”

How To Grill A Whole Salmon

Learn how to grill a whole salmon to perfection every time. It is summertime, and there is nothing better than evenings spent with family and friends while grilling up some awesome food! This salmon recipe works on gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills like the Traeger.

I will show you how to brine the salmon in this recipe, but you can skip the brine and still get great results. Keep reading to get all of the best tips for cooking salmon on the grill and learn the best ways to get juicy, tender, and flaky salmon. You dont want to ruin your beautiful salmon by overcooking it to the point that it is dry, so follow this guide for perfection every time!

Cooking a whole salmon might look intimidating, but it is incredibly easy, and it is the most affordable way to buy and cook salmon. You should make this recipe even if you dont have a large crowd to feed because the leftovers are great for multiple dinners. Use the leftovers for salmon patties, salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or salmon pasta. This is one of those recipes that keeps on giving, with so many ways to repurpose the leftovers for another amazing meal!

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How To Season Your Salmon

The great thing about BBQ salmon is that its going to taste amazing even with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. But, if you want to be more creative with your flavorings, you can also try the following savory seasoning combinations that are sure to make your mouth water.

Lemon Salmon: lemon, kosher salt, pepper, butter.
Cilantro Lime Salmon: chopped cilantro, lime, kosher salt, pepper, honey, chopped cloves.
Spicy Sriracha-Glazed Salmon: sriracha, lemon juice, honey.
Soy-Glazed Salmon: soy sauce, honey, mustard, and lemon juice.
Salmon with Homemade Barbecue Sauce: lemon, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and olive oil.

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Helpful Tips For Grilling Salmon Fillets

Weve talked about how to grill salmon steaks, but we also want to give you some pointers to help you make the perfect grilled salmon steak every time:

Choose salmon with its skin on, if possible. The skin is an extra layer between your grill and salmon, which gives you additional protection from having the salmon stick to the grill. The heat of the grill will also crisp the skin beautifully when you drizzle a little olive oil or unsalted butter on the grates and salmon.

If you buy packaged salmon, choose some with no liquid. Air-tight packaging is best for salmon youll cook on the grill. Salmon covered in liquid will get mushy instead of browning nicely on the grill. If your salmon does come packaged with some liquid, be sure to dry each steak with paper towels before cooking.

Dont grill salmon directly over heat. Salmon, like most fish, cooks quickly, so you dont want it directly over heat where it might cooktoo rapidly and possibly burn.

Use indirect heat and the grill lid. Take advantage of the grills lid while your salmon cooks. The cover keeps the heat inside the grill instead of releasing it into the air, helping it cook thoroughly and lock in natural juices.

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How To Grill A Salmon Fillet With The Skin

Grilling a salmon fillet â or steak â with the skin on is preferable to grilling skinless cuts because the skin helps hold them together as they cook in high, dry heat. Compared with other methods of salmon preparation, including baking, poaching and pan-frying, grilling can seem a bit difficult due to its increased capacity for disaster. The salmon could stick to the grill and become a charred mess, or it might more easily overcook before you can remove it from the heat. To avoid the potential pitfalls of grilling salmon, choose thicker fillets or steaks, which generally grill better than lighter portions, and always use a clean grill.

Preheat a gas grill to medium-high, or prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill.

How To Grill A Salmon On A Gas Grill

Grilling salmon fillets is an excellent method of serving a healthy meal. Learn how to grill a salmon on a gas grill, and enjoy its perfectly grilled taste.

Salmon is a delicacy for all fish lovers. Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, it is also a healthy choice for people who have high cholesterol or other heart problems. As per individual preferences, salmon can be smoked, grilled, baked, broiled, poached, or fried. Whichever method you choose for preparing salmon, it tastes delicious. Among the different ways of cooking it, most people prefer grilling salmon, as it takes less time and retains much of its flavor. All you need is a suitable marinade or rub, and grill it for the correct time.

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Ways To Prevent Sticking To The Grill

Some people complain about salmon sticking to the grill. The biggest contributor to that problem? Dont try to turn it too soon! When the salmon is cooked just enough, it releases from the grill grates, making it easy to flip. But if you touch it before that time, it can stick and break apart. You dont need to oil the grill grates. Just lightly oil the fish, and when cooking wait until the salmon is easy to release . Then its easy to flip!

Another tip: make sure to cook with skin on salmon. This helps it to stay together on the grill. Salmon with the skin off easily sticks to the grill. We dont recommend using it here.

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How to Grill Salmon Fillets | Weber Grills

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How Long Does It Take To Grill Salmon Without Skin

The actual cooking time depends on the thickness of salmon fillets, regardless of whether theyâre with skin or with skin removed. The general rule goes that you need to cook salmon for six to eight minutes at 450-500 degrees F per inch thickness of the fish. Salmon skin doesnât affect the overall grill time if you follow the time and temperature guidelines for each inch of fish.

How To Grill Salmon Perfectly

Make grilled salmon marinade. Find the directions and amounts for salmon marinade here.
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Place the salmon and marinade into a large zip lock bag or bowl. Marinate for 30 minutes.

Grill salmon skin side down. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, with the lid closed. Remove salmon from the marinade and place onto grill, skin side down. Close the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes.

TIP: Cook skin side down until salmon is 80% done. Its ready to flip when the salmon color turns lighter pink and doesnt stick when you try to flip it.

Flip and grill on the other side. Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the salmon. Grill for another few minutes, until cooked to desired level of doneness.

Rest. Let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

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Ingredients Youll Need For This Grilled Salmon:

I told you, this is a basics recipe so youll need minimal ingredients to make this salmon.

Salmon Fillet: I like to buy a salmon fillet with skin on and then cut my own portions but to make it easier you can buy them pre-cut. Either way make sure they have skin on.
Tasteless Oil: Oils that are tasteless and can handle high heat are key. Avocado oil is what I normally use but peanut oil, grapeseed oil or vegetable oil would do.
Salt & Pepper: These are must to anything you make.
Grilling Utensils: I love using my fish spatula or tongs to flip so I dont break the salmon up when I flip.

Can You Grill Frozen Salmon

Grilling frozen salmon is not recommended, as frozen meats and fish do not cook evenly and so you may end up with some raw parts and some overcooked parts.

Its pretty quick and easy to thaw salmon fillets in a bowl of water, or you can do so in the fridge overnight. Do not thaw the salmon in the marinade.

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Prep The Fresh Salmon

Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and place the steaks on paper towels. Use another paper towel to dry the top of each steak off. Then, brush each steak with a bit of olive oil or unsalted butter to keep it from sticking on the grill. Now is the time to toss some salt, pepper, and your other choices of seasoning onto both sides of each salmon steak.

Want To Make Salmon Packets With Vegetables

This grilled salmon in foil recipe can easily be made into individual salmon foil packets with veggies. Before marinating, slice the raw salmon into individual fillets and make a packet for each person, plan on 1-2 fillets per pouch. Make sure to leave room for some veggies.

Lightly grease the foil, add the salmon fillet, then pour the marinade over top. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding the butter and veggies of choice. You will want to use quick cooking vegetables such zucchini, summer squash, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Avoid longer cooking vegetables such as carrots, broccoli or potatoes unless you par-boil or steam them first. Seal up the foil packet and grill per recipe instructions.

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How To Perfectly Grill Salmon On The Bbq

If you love having backyard barbeques with friends and family, then a meal of grilled salmon should be on your list. Its healthy, nutritious, versatile, and super easy to make!

In this article, well cover everything you need to know about cooking salmon on your Napoleon grill. From the best salmon cuts for grilling, the most creative ways to season your fish, how to get an accurate salmon cooking temperature, to why you should leave the salmon skin on, and more!

More Easy Salmon Recipes To Try

How To Grill Salmon

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Prepare the Salmon:

Rub each piece of salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with house seasoning, to taste .

Grill the Salmon:

Heat coals, gas grill, or grill pan to medium heat. Place salmon on the grill. Cover and grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side . The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

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How To Choose Fresh Salmon

To make the best grilled salmon, you need to start with fresh salmon or thawed salmon that was previously frozen. Use these tips when selecting salmon at the store.

Salmon has a moderately firm texture that helps it hold together well when grilling. When shopping, look for moist, cleanly cut fillets or steaks and avoid those with a strong fishy odor. Don’t be fooled by the colorit’s not a sign of freshness but rather of the salmon species.
Plan to grill salmon the day you buy it or keep it loosely wrapped in the coldest part of the refrigerator up to 2 days.
If it hasn’t been previously frozen, you can freeze salmon up to 3 months.
Yes, grilling frozen salmon is totally doable. If your fish is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before you proceed with our steps above for how to grill salmon.

Salmon Buying Tip: A salmon steak is a crosscut slice from a large dressed fish and is usually ½ to 1 inch thick. A fillet is a boneless piece of fish cut from the side and away from the backbone. You can purchase it with the skin on or ask to have it removed. We recommend wild-caught Alaskan salmon and salmon farmed in closed-tank systems as two of our healthiest varieties of fish to eat.

If you’re craving some grilled salmon recipe inspiration, try our Basil-Buttered Salmon or Grilled Salmon and Leeks. Be sure to add salmon to your grocery list for your next trip to put your new salmon grilling knowledge to work. You’ll be pleased to find out just how easy it is.

What Temperature Is Grilled Salmon Done

How to tell when grilled salmon is done. Grilled fish is cooked when it is 145°F, but remember about carry-over cooking, where food will continue to cook once youve pulled it from the grill or oven. To ensure your fish isnt overcooked, transfer it from the grill when it is 125°-130°F, then let it rest for a few minutes before stripping away the skin and serving.

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Do You Have To Brine The Salmon

You dont have to, but if you have the time then you definitely should. Even a quick one-hour brine will add moisture to your salmon and help prevent it from drying out while grilling on the Traeger. The brine can also impart lots of salt and flavor to the salmon. Add your favorite herbs and citrus, or keep it simple with salt. Either way, the brine will be your ticket to award-winning salmon at your next cookout.

The brine also helps prevent the salmon from leaching out white albumin while it cooks and makes a prettier presentation. Albumin is the white substance that you sometimes notice when cooking a salmon and it is totally fine to eat.

How To Prevent Salmon From Sticking To The Grill

There are a few things you can do to prevent the salmon from sticking:

Preheat the grill well. A hot grill will create a sear on the salmon flesh so that you can flip it without tearing.
Keep your grill clean. Always scrape down and keep your grill clean so that what your cooking doesnt stick to burnt on food.
Oil the salmon well. Just like if youre cooking salmon in a pan, youll want to put plenty of the oil on the salmon.
Cook skin side down first. Its easier to flip the skin side of the salmon and get the spatula in between.

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Salmon Steak Recipe: How To Make The Perfect Grilled Salmon Steak

Not sure how to grill salmon steaks without ruining them? Dont worry were going to walk you through the process of making salmon on the grill from start to finish. Its not as complicated as you might think, but knowing the best techniques will help you get that perfect grilled salmon look and flavor.

How Long To Grill Salmon

Salmon cooks quickly on the grill , so don’t walk away or get distracted. The salmon will be medium-rare when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 120 degrees F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow for some carryover cooking.

And there you go! Perfect grilled salmon, every time.

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How Do You Know When Grilled Salmon Is Cooked

There are a few ways to tell if your salmon is fully cooked or not, and once you get the hang of cooking and grilling salmon youll become more and more comfortable with judging it based on the look.

This is the most technical method for testing if your salmon is fully cooked. Fish should technically be cooked to an internal temp of 145 degrees F using a meat thermometer. However, your salmon will continue to cook a bit more as you let it rest after grilling.

As a general rule, Ive found that you should bake salmon for 15 minutes for every inch of thickness.

Salmon is fully cooked when it can easily be flaked with a fork and is an opaque, soft pink color instead of bright pink.

As I mentioned, its better to undercook rather than overcook your salmon, and remember that it will continue to cook as it rests after you grill it!