.png)
Looking to elevate your next barbecue? Ditch the usual hot dogs and hamburgers for a healthier alternative: grilled salmon. Perfectly cooked over an open flame, this versatile fish can be marinated or glazed to suit any palate. Whether you're aiming for a fresh, lemony zest or a savory soy-ginger kick, grilled salmon is a delicious way to enjoy fish, and there are several ways to prepare and marinate it to enhance its flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grill salmon, along with some marinade and glaze recipes.
Tips for Grilling Salmon
Skin-on Fillets: Grill skin-side down first to help keep the fish intact.
Indirect Heat: If you're worried about the salmon sticking or falling apart, use indirect heat. Place the salmon on a piece of foil or a cedar plank.
Don't Overcook: Salmon continues to cook a bit after you remove it from the grill. Remove it just before it's fully cooked to your liking.
Preparing Salmon for the Grill
Choosing the Salmon: If possible, opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon. You can select fillets with or without skin. Skin-on fillets are easier to grill, as the skin helps hold the fish together.
Prepping the Grill:
Clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-204°C).
Oil the grates with a high smoke point (like canola or grapeseed oil) using a paper towel and tongs. Seasoning the Salmon:
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and pepper, or use a marinade/glaze (recipes below). Grilling Time:
Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill.
Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. A general rule of thumb is 4-6 minutes per half-inch thickness. Checking Doneness:
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet. Removing from Grill:
Use a wide spatula to remove the salmon from the grill carefully.
Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Marinade Recipes
Lemon Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Place the salmon in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the salmon.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Soy Ginger Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 green onion, chopped
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Place the salmon in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the salmon.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Glaze Recipes
Maple Mustard Glaze
Ingredients:
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Brush the glaze on the salmon during the last few minutes of grilling.
Honey Garlic Glaze
Ingredients:
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (optional for thickening)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients (except the cornstarch mixture) in a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. If using cornstarch, add it and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Brush the glaze on the salmon during the last few minutes of grilling.
Comments