This quick grilled salmon recipe is so easy that you’ll be wondering why you need a recipe at all! Preheat the grill, season the fish, and grill – all in only 15 minutes.
A lot of people tend to feel nervous when it comes to making grilled salmon. Some of the biggest fears are that it turns out dry, falls apart, or just becomes a big mess. But honestly, if you do it right, it’s none of those things! I love the flavor, how juicy it is when cooked right, and how easy it is to prepare. It’s one of my go-to meals because it feels fancy with very little effort.
This easy grilled salmon recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, which has to be a record-breaker for making a protein dish! As “fancy” as fish seems, I’m surprised why it’s not more popular as an easy weekday meal.
Grilled Salmon Video
How to Make Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a simple but tasty quick dinner entree for any day of the week. Take out a few ingredients, then let’s get your salmon on a grill!
- Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to 375°F- 400°F. Slice the salmon filet into serving size portions.
- Season the fish: Season the salmon with a drizzle of avocado or olive oil and and sprinkle of garlic parsley salt.
- Grill the salmon: Let the salmon cook at 400°F for about three minutes on each side, or until the grilled salmon temperature reaches 145°F. Avoid flipping the fish too soon as it will probably stick to the grill and fall apart. Enjoy your omega-3’s!
Hot tip: Charcoal grill or gas griill? Both charcoal and gas grills are perfect for grilled salmon. Grilling on charcoal produces a smokier-tasting fish, whereas it is much easier to control the temperature with a gas grill.
Flavor Variations
This grilled salmon recipe lays the foundation for a wonderfully flavored fish. To build on this foundation, try any of the following ingredient changes that speak to your heart.
- Spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or brush the salmon with your favorite hot sauce.
- Citrusy: Drizzle the salmon with fresh citrus juices (orange, lime, or lemon juice) for more fresh flavor. Or, cut your lemon (or any citrus of choice) and add the lemon slices onto the grill, placing the salmon on top of them.
- Garlicky: Everyone loves the aromatic flavor of garlic! Add minced garlic to the top of the salmon while grilling.
- Herby: For a fresh herby flavor, add your choice of fresh herbs. I love fresh parsley and dill!
Tips from the Kitchen
To avoid any problems when grilling your salmon, follow these tips. You’ll be a pro in no time!
- Use skin-on salmon fillets: For this grilled salmon recipe, it is best to use skin-on fillets. When placing the salmon directly onto the grill grates, the skin holds it all together. The skin also protects the salmon’s flesh from overcooking, ultimately making the salmon juicier.
- Cut the fillets: Cut the salmon into serving sized portions prior to grilling. It is easier to manage and grill serving-sized portions of salmon instead of one large salmon fillet. Make sure to use a sharp knife (this is my favorite set!)
- Preheat the grill: You must preheat until you have a hot grill! It’s best to grill salmon at 375°F- 400°F. This temperature creates the perfect crispy outer layer while retaining a moist interior.
- Place salmon skin-side down first: Place the salmon skin-side down onto the grill first. When the skin crisps up, flip it over onto the flesh side.
- Wait to flip: Avoid flipping the salmon too soon on the grill. If flipped too quickly, the salmon sticks to the grill and falls apart.
- Check the internal temperature for grilled salmon: It is very important to check the internal temperature as salmon is easily overcooked. Use a thermometer to check the grilled salmon temperature, which is 145°F when it’s done.
Serving Grilled Salmon
A grilled salmon dinner combines the best of both worlds with how easy it is to make but also how fancy it looks. It’s also a great protein to meal prep with! Here are a few grilled salmon menu ideas to get creative juices flowing.
- With a salad: Serve the salmon alongside or on top of corn tomato avocado salad or classic garden cucumber tomato salad. It is also divine over Israeli couscous salad and a classic crisp Caesar salad.
- In a fish taco: Flake the salmon and put it into corn tortillas to make a fish taco. Add shredded cabbage or coleslaw and tomatillo dressing.
- As part of a sandwich: Serve the salmon as part of a fish sandwich with brioche buns, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
- Alongside a plate of vegetables: For a simple no carb meal, pair with a plate of air fryer asparagus, zucchini, or Parmesan panko roasted veggies.
- Made into a sushi bowl: Make a sushi bowl with rice, avocado, veggies, and spicy mayo.
- With a carb: Go the easy route and serve the salmon with basmati rice and black bean and corn salsa on top of the salmon. Or, for an Italian spin, make pasta aglio e olio to serve alongside your salmon.
Storage Tips & Reheating
Serve your grilled salmon immediately for the freshest flavor. When using the fish for meal prepping, use these tips to store the grilled fish and retain the flavor.
- Refrigerator: To store for up to three days, place the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezer: Store the salmon for up to three months in the freezer when in an airtight container or bag. Thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: For a quick reheat, microwave the salmon slowly. When you need to reheat a large portion, place the salmon into the air fryer or oven at 350°F and heat until warmed through.
More Fish Recipes
- Grilled Salmon in Foil – Lemon-butter salmon grilled in foil packets
- Salmon Stir Fry – Bites of salmon and veggies in a soy sauce/brown sugar sauce
- Grilled Halibut – Lemon-flavored flakey fish
- Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia – Tilapia baked in lemon-butter and paprika
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs salmon fillet skin on
- 1 tbsp oil olive or avocado
- 1 tbsp garlic parsley salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 375°F-400°F. Slice the salmon into serving size portions.
- Drizzle the salmon with oil and season with garlic parsley salt.
- Grill the salmon on each side for about 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Don't flip the salmon too soon or it will stick to the grill. Enjoy!
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