Salmon is a healthy and delicious fish that is perfect for grilling. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. Grilled salmon can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, grilled lemon slices, or a simple green salad.
The key to grilling salmon is to not overcook it. Overcooked salmon is dry and tough, while properly cooked salmon is moist and flaky. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the desired level of doneness.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to grill salmon, along with tips for achieving perfectly cooked fish.
How Long to Grill Salmon
Here are 8 important points to consider:
- Choose the right salmon fillet
- Preheat the grill to medium-high
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper
- Grill the salmon for 8-10 minutes per side
- Check the internal temperature
- Remove the salmon from the grill
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes
- Serve the salmon with your favorite sides
By following these tips, you can grill salmon that is perfectly cooked, moist, and flaky every time.
Choose the Right Salmon Fillet
The first step to grilling salmon is to choose the right fillet. Not all salmon fillets are created equal. Some fillets are thinner than others, and some have more fat than others. The thickness and fat content of the fillet will affect the cooking time.
When choosing a salmon fillet for grilling, look for a fillet that is about 1 inch thick. This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly throughout without overcooking. You should also look for a fillet that has a good amount of fat. Fat helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful during grilling.
If you are unsure which salmon fillet to choose, ask your fishmonger for help. They will be able to help you find a fillet that is the right size and fat content for grilling.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a salmon fillet for grilling:
- Choose a fillet that is fresh. Fresh salmon will have a bright pink color and a mild, fishy smell.
- Avoid fillets that have any brown or gray spots. These spots indicate that the salmon is not fresh.
- If you are buying frozen salmon, make sure that it is thawed before grilling.
By following these tips, you can choose the right salmon fillet for grilling that will cook evenly and taste delicious.
Preheat the Grill to Medium-High
Once you have chosen the right salmon fillet, it is time to preheat the grill. The ideal temperature for grilling salmon is medium-high heat, which is around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes before cooking the salmon. This will ensure that the grill is hot enough to sear the salmon and prevent it from sticking.
If you are using a gas grill, turn on all of the burners to medium-high heat and close the lid. If you are using a charcoal grill, light a chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes. Once the coals are hot and covered with a layer of ash, spread them out evenly across the bottom of the grill.
Once the grill is preheated, you are ready to start grilling the salmon.
By preheating the grill to medium-high heat, you can ensure that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly without overcooking.
Season the Salmon with Salt and Pepper
Once the grill is preheated, it is time to season the salmon. Seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper will help to enhance the natural flavor of the fish and create a delicious crust.
- Season the salmon evenly with salt.
Sprinkle salt evenly over both sides of the salmon fillet. You should use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pound of salmon.
- Season the salmon evenly with pepper.
Sprinkle pepper evenly over both sides of the salmon fillet. You should use about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper per pound of salmon.
- You can also add other seasonings, if desired.
Some popular seasonings for salmon include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dill. You can also use a pre-made salmon seasoning blend.
- Don't overdo it with the seasonings.
You don't want to overpower the natural flavor of the salmon. Use just enough seasoning to enhance the flavor, not mask it.
Once the salmon is seasoned, it is ready to be grilled.
Grill the Salmon for 8-10 Minutes Per Side
Once the salmon is seasoned, it is time to grill it. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the desired level of doneness. However, a good rule of thumb is to grill the salmon for 8-10 minutes per side.
- Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill.
Make sure that the salmon is skin-side down. This will help to prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill.
- Grill the salmon for 8-10 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through.
The salmon is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Flip the salmon fillets halfway through the cooking time.
This will ensure that the salmon cooks evenly on both sides.
- Remove the salmon fillets from the grill once they are cooked through.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
By following these tips, you can grill salmon that is perfectly cooked, moist, and flaky every time.
Check the Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure that the salmon is cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon fillet.
Make sure that the thermometer does not touch any bones.
- Hold the thermometer in place for a few seconds.
The temperature reading should be displayed on the thermometer.
- Remove the thermometer from the salmon.
If the internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the salmon is cooked through and ready to be served.
- If the internal temperature is below 145 degrees Fahrenheit, continue to grill the salmon for a few more minutes.
Check the internal temperature again until it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
By checking the internal temperature, you can ensure that the salmon is cooked to perfection.
Remove the Salmon from the Grill
Once the salmon is cooked through, it is time to remove it from the grill. Use a spatula to carefully lift the salmon fillets off the grill. Be careful not to break the fillets.
If the salmon is sticking to the grill, you can use a metal spatula to gently loosen it. Avoid using a plastic spatula, as it may melt on the hot grill.
Once the salmon fillets are removed from the grill, place them on a plate or platter. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in a more moist and flavorful salmon.
While the salmon is resting, you can prepare your favorite sides. Grilled salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, grilled lemon slices, or a simple green salad.
Once the salmon has rested for a few minutes, it is ready to be served. Enjoy!