How to Grill Salmon

Posted by Madeleine Bequette on

Grilled Salmon
Alright Grillaholics, let's switch it up a bit!
Let's try something that, in the US, is not as common to see on a grill as hamburgers and hot dogs...
But is equally delicious when cooked over a flame.
I'm talkin' about salmon!
It's delicious, flaky, and tender but can be difficult to grill, and has been known to scare off more than one would be grill master.

Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks that are super helpful when grilling it!
Let's dive in!


Step 1: Preheat That Grill!

heat your grill

This step is essential in order to start the entire process off right.

Heat a grill, either charcoal or gas, to medium-high (you should be able to hold your hand about 1 inch above the cooking grate for 3 to 4 seconds before pulling it away from the heat).

By properly preheating your grill, your salmon has less a chance of sticking to the grates, and it will cook thoroughly! 

For Salmon, we're shooting for about 300-350 degrees.

Step 2: Prepare The Salmon

prepare the salmon

While the grill heats, prepare the salmon fillet(s): Rinse them and pat them dry.

Brush the skin with oil.

Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to season (I'm liberal with my seasoning but to each their own).

*Pro Tip*

You'll want to remove the pin bones in your salmon by pulling them out with tweezers.

If you are unsure how to check if there are pin bones in your salmon, just run your finger down the seam of the filet and feel for tiny little pin-like bones.

Once you find them, just grab the little end that's sticking out with a pair of tweezers and pull. They should come right out.

Step 3: Grab Your Grill Mat!

grill your salmon

Grab your grill mat (if you don't have one yet, you can get some here), and place the salmon, skin-side-down on the grill and cover.

Cook, undisturbed roughly, 10 to 15 minutes for most 1-inch-thick fillets. Allow another 10 minutes for each extra inch of thickness.

Use a spatula to remove the fish from the grill and serve, with lemon wedges or any other garnish you choose (fresh herbs are nice), immediately.

And there you have it!

Now, if you don't have a grill mat (which you really should... They're AWESOME!), you'll want to handle the 3rd step a bit differently.

Once your grill is preheated, place the salmon on the grill and cook for roughly 10 minutes, or until the filet slides off the rates with ease.

If there is any resistance, resist the urge to tug and break it free.

It'll tell you when it's ready by pulling from the grates cleanly.

Other than that, we hop you enjoy these tips!

And as always, Happy Grilling!