How to Grill Salmon in 7 Easy Steps
See how easy it is to grill salmon perfectly every time with this simple, no-flip technique complete with recipe and variations for a whole salmon.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 4(6-ounce) salmon fillets (skin-on)
- 2tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil, divided)
- ½teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Make sure your grill is clean. Rub the cooking grate with a thin layer of oil—1 or 2 teaspoons should be enough. Heat the grill (whether charcoal, gas, or electric) to medium-high. You should be able to hold your hand about 1 inch above the cooking grate for 3 to 4 seconds before pulling it away from the heat. A properly heated grill will help keep the fish from sticking excessively while also cooking it gently and thoroughly without setting it aflame.Step 3
While the grill heats, prepare the salmon fillets. Rinse them and pat them dry.Step 4
Use tweezers to pull out any pin bones. Pull them out in the direction in which they're coming out for the smoothest results. Don't see any pin bones? Run your finger down the "seam" of the fillet—you'll feel them.Step 5
Brush the cooking grate with another 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil. Brush the 4 fillets with the remaining oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.Step 6
Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill and cover. Cook, undisturbed, until the salmon just starts to release its fat (opaque mayonnaise-like stuff), or until it reaches 145 F, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes for most 1-inch-thick fillets. Allow another 5 to 10 minutes for each extra inch of thickness. Use a spatula to remove the fish from the grill.Step 7
Serve grilled salmon immediately. Offer lemon wedges so people can spritz their salmon with fresh lemon juice, or serve with the garnish of your choice.