Chef-Worthy BBQ Salmon Recipes
There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combination of salmon’s rich, buttery texture and the smoky caramelization that comes from grilling. Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster or just looking to expand your culinary repertoire, mastering BBQ salmon recipes is a sure way to impress.
Grilled salmon offers exquisite flavor, an impressive nutritional profile, and remarkable versatility in preparation.
Why Grilled Salmon Deserves a Prime Spot in Your Recipe Collection
Before diving into techniques and recipes, it’s worth understanding why salmon deserves a top spot as your go-to protein for grilling. The grilled salmon nutrition profile is impressive, whether you’re grilling salmon burgers or fillets. A typical 3.5-ounce serving contains approximately 22-25 grams of high-quality protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, including B12, selenium, and potassium.
This nutritional powerhouse contains approximately 200 calories per serving, making it a lighter option than beef or pork while still delivering flavor and satisfaction. The omega-3 content, in particular, distinguishes salmon. These essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.
How to Grill Salmon with Skin
One of the most common challenges when grilling salmon is preventing it from sticking to the grill and falling apart. Here are chef-approved techniques for how to grill salmon with skin.
- Start with dry fish: Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Oil the fish, not the grill: Contrary to common practice, brush the salmon with a high-smoke-point oil, like grapeseed oil, rather than oiling the grill grates.
- Season well: Liberally apply kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt helps form a barrier between the fish and the grill.
- Skin-side down first: Place the salmon skin-side down on a preheated grill (approximately 450°F). This allows the skin to crisp up and form a protective layer.
- Patience is key: Resist the urge to move the salmon immediately. Allow it to cook about 90% of the way through (approximately 6-8 minutes depending on thickness) before carefully flipping it for just 1-2 minutes to finish.
- Check for doneness: Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F for medium rare or 130°F for medium. The flesh should flake easily with a fork but still maintain some translucency in the center.
How to Grill Salmon in a Pan or Foil
These are two excellent alternative methods if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or are anxious about breaking up or overcooking your salmon fillets.
How to Grill Salmon in a Pan
Pan-grilling is an excellent option for indoor cooking while still achieving that coveted sear and flavor.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add a thin layer of high smoke-point oil.
- Season the salmon fillets and place them skin-side down in the hot pan.
- Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip and finish cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- In the final minute, add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan and baste the fish for extra flavor.
How to Grill Salmon in Foil
Foil-wrapped salmon reduces the risk of breaking up your salmon fillets on the grill. It can also help lock in moisture and flavor:
- Create a large foil packet to fully enclose your salmon with extra space.
- Lightly oil the foil to prevent sticking.
- Season the salmon and add herbs, citrus slices, or vegetables.
- Fold the foil to create a sealed packet with a small air pocket above the fish.
- Place on a preheated grill for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Carefully open the packet (watch for hot steam) and check for doneness.
- This is a safe way to start if you’re new to grilling salmon.
Chef-Worthy BBQ Salmon Recipes to Impress
Now that you’ve mastered the techniques, it’s time to explore some outstanding BBQ salmon recipes that showcase this remarkable ingredient’s versatility.
Classic BBQ Salmon with Smoky-Sweet Glaze
This simple yet flavor-packed recipe lets the natural qualities of the salmon shine:
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin on
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed or canola)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high (approximately 450°F).
- Pat salmon dry and brush with oil.
- Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down, and close the lid.
- After about 6 minutes, brush the flesh side with BBQ sauce.
- Continue cooking for 2-4 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F.
- Rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
BBQ Salmon Teriyaki
This Asian-inspired dish combines the smoky flavors of the grill with the sweet-savory balance of teriyaki:
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin on
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Method:
- Combine teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Reserve half the mixture for basting and serving.
- Marinate the salmon in the remaining mixture for 30 minutes (not longer, as the salt will begin to cure the fish).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry.
- Grill skin-side down for 6-8 minutes.
- Flip once and brush with reserved sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Cedar Plank BBQ Salmon
Cooking salmon with a cedar plank offers an unforgettable smoky flavor infusion. Here is one excellent recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole side of salmon with skin (about 2-3 pounds)
- Cedar planks, soaked in water for at least 1 hour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh herbs (dill, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
- Place soaked cedar plank on the grill for 5 minutes until it begins to smoke slightly.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a small bowl.
- Place salmon, skin-side down, on the heated plank.
- Brush with the herb oil mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange lemon slices on top.
- Close the grill lid and cook for 12-15 minutes until done.
- The plank may char at the edges. This is normal and adds flavor.
Make Salmon the Star of Your Next BBQ
Mastering BBQ salmon recipes opens up a world of delicious, nutritious dining options that are impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight meals. Whether grilling directly on the grates, using a pan, or wrapping it in foil, grilled salmon is a fun and delicious way to add healthy protein and omega-3s to your diet.
References
https://www.foodiecrush.com/best-grilled-salmon/
https://www.preciouscore.com/pan-grilled-salmon/
https://saltpepperskillet.com/bbq-salmon/
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/12720/grilled-salmon-i/
https://www.feastingathome.com/grilled-salmon/
https://www.recipetineats.com/marinated-grilled-salmon/
https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-salmon-in-foil/
