How to Grill Salmon

Introduction

Looks good! (Creative Commons photo by Rick Kimpel)

• Salmon on the grill is simple and delicious. You'll only need a few minutes of actual grilling time, and there are so many ways to prepare your salmon ahead of time, from simply brushing on some olive oil to concocting a masterful marinade or rub to enhance your salmon.

• Whether you have a charcoal or gas grill, it's easy to cook perfect salmon every time. Be sure to ask your fishmonger to keep the skin on your salmon when you buy it, but the key is not to overcook. You might be in the midst of a big, boisterous barbecue, but don't get too caught up in the fun of grilling with a group and get distracted from your fish. Besides the grill, the fish and a reliable timer, you'll need little else to grill up a tasty meal.

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

• You want your grill to be medium-hot when you place the fish on it.

1. If you have a charcoal grill, coals should be bright red and flames should have subsided before you place fish on the grill.
2. If you have a gas grill, set temperature between 300 and 325 degrees.
3. To determine if your grill is truly medium-hot, place your hand 4 inches above the grill and start counting the seconds. If you can keep your hand over the grill for 4-5 seconds, the grill is medium hot. If you have to move your hand in 2-3 seconds, you should turn down the temperature.
4. There is debate over whether to oil the grill or oil the fish. If you decide to oil the grill, you can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and a pair of tongs to lightly coat the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

You can make a tasty sauce to complement grilled salmon. (Creative Commons photo by Shawn Chin)

• There are multiple ways to prepare salmon for grilling, ranging from the very simple (a little salt and pepper and some olive oil) to the more complicated (fennel and dill rubbed salmon).

1. If you have a whole fish to fillet, see Mahalo's guide to How to Fillet Salmon.
2. Everyone likes to use a different preparation for grilling salmon. The simplest way is to brush it with olive oil, keep skin on and add a little salt and pepper.
3. You can also try applying mayonnaise to one side before placing on the grill.
4. For a slightly more involved marinade, try whisking together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 6 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic and 2 tablespoons mustard. Brush the marinade on top of the fish (skin side down) before placing salmon on the grill. When your salmon is finished grilling, pour the remainder of the marinade on top. This is enough marinade for three pounds of salmon, or 5-6 servings.
5. See a few ideas on Epicurious for grilled salmon prep:
   • • Grilled Salmon with a Lime Butter Sauce
     • Grilled Salmon with Balsamic Glaze
     • Grilled Salmon with Tomato-Olive Salsa
     • Fennel and Dill Rubbed Grilled Salmon
6. Just be sure to leave enough time to marinate the fish if your recipe calls for it.

Step 3: Get Grilling

A pan grill is an alternative. (Creative Commons photo by Yusuke Toyoda)

• In a mere few minutes, your salmon will be ready!

1. Grill the salmon for about 4 minutes per side. Only cover the grill if you have a gas grill, but you don't need to do so.
2. Don't constantly fuss with the salmon; set a timer and remove salmon when it goes off. Just be sure you're close by so you can take it off the grill promptly.
3. Do not overcook! When you remove your salmon fillets from the grill, they will continue to cook a little as they sit, so they should look a little raw inside upon removal from the grill.
4. To test for doneness, touch the fish: if it's "squishy," it's not done, but if it's firm with some give, it is medium rare, the recommended doneness for salmon.

If You Don't Have a Grill

• All is not lost if you don't own a fancy grill.

1. You can use a grill pan indoors to recreate the grilled texture you're going for.
2. Heat grill pan over moderately high heat. You'll want your pan to be hot but not smoking, according to Epicurious.
3. Cooking times may vary slightly, however. See Epicurious's recipe for Pan-Grilled Salmon on Toast with Scallion Mayonnaise for specific instructions.

Grilled Salmon Recipes

• Epicurious: Fennel and Dill Rubbed Grilled Salmon
• Epicurious: Glazed Grilled Salmon
• Epicurious: Grilled Salmon with Fennel Orange Salsa
• Epicurious: Grilled Salmon with a Lime Butter Sauce
• Epicurious: Grilled Salmon with Balsamic Glaze
• Epicurious: Grilled Salmon with Tomato-Olive Salsa
• Food Network: Asian Grilled Salmon
• Food Network: Grilled Salmon Steaks with Chipotle-Ponzu Sauce
• Real Simple: Teriyaki Salmon with Cucumber Salad
• Martha Stewart: Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Spicy Cucumber Salsa
• Martha Stewart: Grilled Salmon with Citrus Sauce
• Epicurious: Pan-Grilled Salmon on Toast with Scallion Mayonnaise