We know it can feel intimidating to cook fish and seafood at home if you're new to the concept and haven't studied up on basics like how to grill salmon. But you don't have to be a gourmet restaurant chef to ace a perfectly cooked salmon. Its healthy fats make the fish flavorful and more forgiving than other seafood varieties, and our Test Kitchen pros are here to walk you through exactly how to make perfect grilled salmon with skin, grilled salmon in foil, and more. Salmon fillets and steaks are naturals for both charcoal and gas grilling. The key is to get the salmon grill time right so the fish is perfectly flaky. Follow these tips, then put your new skills to good use with our delicious grilled salmon recipes. Heart-healthy grilled salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can feel good about indulging in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth salmon dinner. Show
Cooking Salmon on the Grill: Prep StepsThe prep needed for cooking salmon on the grill is very simple.
Whether you're cooking grilled salmon with skin or without, the best way to grill salmon with added flavor is to use a dry rub or sprinkle with spices or herbs (thyme, dill, or basil works well with grilled salmon). Or marinate it. Salmon will absorb flavors quickly, so even 15 to 30 minutes in a marinade can be enough to add big flavor to your grilled salmon. Blaine MoatsHow to Grill SalmonNow that you've prepped the fish, it's time to fire up the grill. If you're planning to use a cedar plank, read all about how to grill salmon on a cedar plank; otherwise, here are a few things to remember as you master how to cook salmon on the grill. Buy It: Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill ($219, The Home Depot)
Buy It: Just Grillin' Grill Basket ($17, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Salmon Grilling Tip: As you master how long to cook salmon on a grill, you can try our Test Kitchen trick to test the level of heat. Place the palm of your hand at the level of the grill rack and count the number of seconds you can comfortably hold it in that position. If the heat is medium, or 350°F to 375°F, you should be able to hold your hand in the position for about 4 seconds. Learn more about how to control grill temperatures like a pitmaster. Blaine MoatsHow to Check Salmon for DonenessHow long to grill salmon varies based on the thickness of the fish you select. The thicker the cut, the longer the salmon grill time.
Another way to check doneness is to test grilled salmon temp with an instant-read thermometer. (This is especially useful for thick salmon steaks.) Insert it horizontally into the fish. Remove the fish from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. How to Choose Fresh SalmonTo 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 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. How do you know when salmon is done on the grill?The easiest way to see if your salmon has finished cooking is to gently press down on the top of the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the flesh of the salmon flakes—meaning, it separates easily along the white lines that run across the fillet (strips of fish fat)—it's finished cooking. Take it off of the heat!
How long do you cook salmon on the grill and at what temperature?Seal the Foil Packet and GRILL!. Salmon should be grilled over medium heat, about 375 to 400 degrees F. ... . Once you close the grill lid, the salmon should cook for 14-18 minutes, until almost completely cooked through at the thickest part.. Do you have to flip salmon on the grill?No. You do not have to flip salmon when grilling. If you prefer grill marks on both sides of your fish, place salmon on oiled, heated grill. Once the salmon releases itself from the grates, flip gently using a wide spatula.
Can I grill salmon directly on grill?Generously season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Once your grill has fully preheated, place salmon fillets directly on the grill, skin side down, and close the grill. Grill skin-side down for 6 minutes. Then, flip the fillets and grill for an additional 2 minutes skin-side up.
|