Everybody should know how to cook salmon on the grill, especially in the summer. It’s the perfect combination of sophisticated and easy, the ideal menu for hosting an outdoor cocktail party or spending some time outside by the beach or at the park enjoying gourmet food.
Salmon is one of the most versatile fish choices out there. The moist, buttery flesh is so delicious, we only need to simply enhance its flavor. And it is not only delicious but also rich in Omega3 and other great substances which are healthy for us.
So, if you want to learn how to grill salmon like a pro, here is an essential how-to guide with tips from the sale to the grill and to your plate, with some tricks and techniques to grill that heavenly pink flesh.
Pick the Best Salmon
Get Skin-On Salmon, the skin helps hold the fish together and prevents sticking on the grill.
How Much Salmon Do You Need?
If you are not doing the whole salmon, the best cuts for grilling are steaks and fillets, and the center-cut of the salmon, the tender loin. A whole side of 4/5 pounds serves 8-10 people.
How To Prep Salmon For Grilling
Check the fish for pin bones, pat the salmon dry and then simply season with your hands. Before grilling, you can marinate it for 2 to 12 hours in your favorite fancy marinade. If you add a sprinkle of kosher salt, it will help prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. Another flavorful option is a rosemary rub: mix with sea salt, sprinkle liberally, and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. But sometimes less is more: to enhance salmon’s flavor, a bit of lemon, dill and salt makes it taste super. Always keep the fresh fish in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
How To Start The Grill For Salmon
Ideally, you'll grill salmon with embers from good hardwood, as it makes a lot of difference. Light your fire with cherry wood for a nice smoky taste. When coals glow red, you are ready to start. You can use either a gas grill or a charcoal grill for grilling salmon. To prevent sticking, first heat the grill, then brush it very clean, and finally brush the grill rack with olive oil. This last step will build up a barrier, so the protein in the fish won't bond with the grill grates.
Grilling Time
Salmon requires less time on the grill than most other meats, but don’t rush it. Good things come to those who wait! Place the salmon in the center of the grill, preheated to medium-high, and don’t touch the fish again. Grill skin-side down for a delicious, crispy skin. If you grill a whole side of salmon, cook for 30 minutes tops and you’ll have a perfect medium-rare salmon to enjoy. If your fish is thick, you can wrap with aluminum foil for a more even cooking.
The key is to have your fire low all the time. If your heat is too high, you might need to flip your salmon and cook both sides, but not too much: our advice is to grill 80% of the time skin-side down and only 20% of the total time flesh down. A salmon steak that is 1 inch thick or less requires about 8 minutes on the grill. For thicker steaks, cook the fish 10 to 12 minutes. For salmon steak that is rare in the center, cook 5 to 6 minutes total.
Serving Grilled Salmon
When the fish is done, remove from the grill and let it rest. The fish will keep cooking for a few minutes after you take it off the grill. We recommend using thin metal flat spatulas to carefully flip and serve the fish. Choose a stainless-steel salmon knife for the perfect cut without tearing or shredding.
Nothing sounds like a better plan than to easily grill a premium salmon and enjoy a delicious, simple yet elegant dinner outdoors. So shop online for the best and get your fire started.