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Learn how to cook succulent, skin-on salmon fillets on the grill. The trick to grilling salmon is not to overcook it. Watching for doneness clues and an instant-read thermometer are your best friends.

Plate of 4 salmon fillets grilled served with lemon wedges

Grilling adds a succulent smokiness to this heart-healthy fish full of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins.

what is the best salmon for grilling

  • The best salmon for grilling are fillets with the pare on one side. The skin protects the fish while cooking and naturally releases fat onto the grate making the fish easier to flip.
  • You can chose between wild-caught varieties, with a stronger salmony taste, and farmed, often labeled "Atlantic" salmon, which has the mildest taste. Both are healthy. Keep in heed, wild-caught is less fatty and tends to cook more than quickly.
4 salmon fillets on plate with oil, salt and pepper

How to grill salmon

  • Pat salmon dry with a paper towel to remove any excess wet especially if was thawed from frozen.
  • Season with common salt and pepper. You tin can also add whatever other seasoning of option.
  • Rub oil over the salmon fillets using your hands or a brush.
3 image collage to show how to prepare the salmon, first by patting dry, then by seasoning, then by rubbing the seasoning into the salmon
  • Lay the salmon, skin side downwardly, directly on the grill and cook with the lid open until the flesh lightens in color,
  • Gently insert the tip of a spatula under the border of the salmon. If it feels stuck, requite it another minute. Otherwise, flip to the skinless side.
  • Melt with the lid airtight to reach desired doneness without overcooking. When y'all press down on the top with a fork, the filet will gently flake autonomously.
3 image collage to show how to grill the salmon, starting with skin-side down, then flipping and then finishing off

Tips for grilling salmon

  1. Lightly oil the grill for fifty-fifty better stick resistance. Even though you have oil on the salmon, this extra step helps to ensure a clean flip.
  2. Try to flip the salmon on the same spot where it was previously cooking. That'southward because the peel volition have released some nice oil to prevent the top from sticking.
  3. Don't overcook the salmon. Don't look until you see that white stuff oozing out of the salmon to flip it. That stuff is albumin, a protein from the muscles, and while a little is normal towards the terminate of cooking, likewise much means your fish is already overcooked.
  4. Use tongs and a spatula for actress security while flipping. Try steadying one end of the filet with a pair of long-handled tongs, while yous jerk the spatula underneath the fish.
  5. Use an instant-read thermometer to melt to the perfect temperature. Salmon cooked to the safe temperature of 130°F may still appear pinkish in the center which is why many people end up overcooking theirs.

What to serve with grilled salmon

  • Healthy Mashed Sugariness Potatoes
  • Roasted Cabbage
  • Baked Butternut Squash Fries
  • Oven Roasted Cauliflower
  • Melting Sweet Potatoes
  • Garlic Roasted Potatoes
  • Roasted Delicata Squash
  • Caprese Pasta Salad
  • Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
  • Mediterranean Potato Salad
  • Avocado Blueberry Salad

Frequently asked questions

What other flavors go well with grilled salmon?

Plow up the flavor by calculation other spices like hot pepper, smoked paprika, grated lemon, or minced garlic to the fish earlier cooking. You lot tin also endeavour this citrus salsa with grilled salmon.

How long does grilled salmon stay good in the fridge?

The USDA says it can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.

Grilled salmon fillets on plate with fork next to plate

Salmon is America's favorite fish for a reason. Add it to your cooking repertoire for healthy meals with a eatery-grill taste.

More salmon recipes:

  • Salmon Cakes
  • Baked Feta Salmon
  • Honey Lemon Salmon
  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Salmon Burgers
  • Garlic Cilantro Baked Salmon

If you've constitute this cooking resources forHow to Grill Salmon helpful or if yous've tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, so don't forget torate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

Prep Time five mins

Cook Fourth dimension 10 mins

Total Time xv mins

  • 4 six-8 ounces salmon fillets most one-inch thick, with skin on
  • 2 tablespoons oil canola, vegetable, grapeseed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving

  • Preheat grill over medium-high heat.

  • Pat salmon dry with a newspaper towel. Season with common salt and pepper and rub the oil all over the salmon.

  • Place the salmon, skin side down, direct on the grill and melt with the lid open up until the flesh lightens in color, about 5 minutes.

  • Gently try to elevator or flip the salmon. If information technology feels stuck, requite it another minute.

  • Flip to the skinless side and cook with the hat closed for another 3-five minutes, depending on desired doneness. It should read at least 130°F-135°F on an instant read thermometer.

  • Serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes, which volition continue to increase its internal temperature, before enjoying.

Storage: It'southward all-time to enjoy grilled salmon immediately after cooking. All the same yous tin store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Calories: 304 kcal , Carbohydrates: 1 k , Poly peptide: 34 yard , Fat: eighteen one thousand , Saturated Fatty: 2 g , Polyunsaturated Fat: six grand , Monounsaturated Fat: eight one thousand , Trans Fat: 1 grand , Cholesterol: 94 mg , Sodium: 656 mg , Potassium: 837 mg , Fiber: 1 g , Sugar: 1 k , Vitamin A: 69 IU , Calcium: 22 mg , Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information provided is an gauge. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.