Cooking Salmon on the Grill

Name: Cooking Salmon on the Grill
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 salmon fillets (skin on one side); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 lemons (quartered)

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Cooking Salmon on the Grill is one of the easiest ways to make dinner feel special. You will get perfectly flaky fish with those gorgeous grill marks in just 15 minutes!

Cooked salmon fillet on a wooden board, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, with a piece of toasted bread nearby. The flaky, peppered salmon has the charred look of cooking salmon on the grill. A light-colored cloth is underneath the board.

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🐟 This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and delicious!

Table of Contents

My 2 Best Tips For Cooking Salmon on the Grill

Temperature Control: Getting the grill to the right temperature is crucial for even cooking. Use a grill thermometer to ensure consistent 400°F heat, which prevents the salmon from drying out or cooking unevenly. If your grill runs hot, move the salmon to a cooler spot to finish cooking. A steady medium-high heat gives you that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender flesh.

Oil the Grates: Well-oiled grill grates prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks. Clean grates thoroughly before oiling to ensure the salmon releases easily when it's ready to flip. Use tongs and a paper towel soaked in oil for the safest application. You can also oil the salmon itself if you prefer – this works especially well for skinless fillets.

melissa leaning over counter looking up from a cook book.

I usually grill salmon skin-side down first to create a natural barrier that protects the delicate flesh. The skin acts as a shield against direct heat and helps maintain moisture throughout the cooking process. Don't worry if the skin sticks initially – it will release naturally once it's properly seared. The crispy skin is actually delicious and adds great texture to each bite.

Grilled salmon goes with pretty much everything - from simple roasted vegetables to fancy rice pilaf or even just a green salad. Really, it's one of those proteins that makes any side dish feel more special, and I make it at least twice a month at our house.

You can serve it hot off the grill for dinner, or let it cool and flake it over salads for lunch the next day! I love squeezing fresh lemon over it or serving it with a dollop of herb butter!

🩷 Melissa

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Melissa Griffiths

Cooking Salmon on the Grill is one of the easiest ways to make dinner feel special. You will get perfectly flaky fish with those gorgeous grill marks in just 15 minutes!

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 salmon fillets (skin on one side)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 lemons (quartered)

Instructions

Preheat the grill on medium high heat; the temperature should be about 400ºF. Brush the grill grates with olive oil.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Place the salmon, skin side down, on the grill.
Close the grill and let the salmon cook for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF. This may vary depending on the size of the salmon fillets.
Garnish by squeezing the fresh lemons over the salmon before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Season the salmon fillets up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate covered, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish before grilling.

Seasoning Variations: Try different spice blends like cajun seasoning, herb de Provence, or a simple garlic powder and paprika mix for flavor variety.

Lemon Alternatives: Substitute lime, orange, or grapefruit for different citrus profiles, or serve with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.

Storing Tips: The shelf life of cooked and uncooked fish is about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven: Wrap salmon in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 275º F for about 15 minutes or until the fish is warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salmon filletCalories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 34gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 367mgPotassium: 909mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg

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How To Grill Salmon

Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper for the best flavor.

Step 3: Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes without flipping until it reaches 145°F internal temperature.

Step 4: Remove from grill and immediately squeeze fresh lemon quarters over the hot salmon before serving.

A close-up of flaky, cooked salmon fillet garnished with herbs and cracked black pepper, served on a wooden board with lemon wedges—perfect inspiration if you’re mastering how to grill steak or seafood to perfection.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque throughout with no translucent areas remaining.

What if my salmon fillets are different sizes?

Thicker fillets will need additional cooking time, while thinner ones may finish earlier. Check each fillet individually with a thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet rather than relying solely on timing.

Can I grill salmon without skin?

Yes, you can grill skinless salmon, but reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes and watch carefully to prevent overcooking. Consider using a grill basket or foil to prevent the fish from falling through the grates.