Valentina Ablaev
Summer is the time to fire up the grill, and if you haven’t tried this grilled salmon, you are missing out! This salmon only needs a simple marinade, as the flavor comes from the grill. The salmon cooks quickly, and before you know it, you have a restaurant-style dinner. Pair with an authentic chimichurri sauce for the perfect combination of flavors.
Salmon is a star protein, and though we love an easy air-fryer salmon or a classic skillet salmon, nothing beats that flavor of a bbq salmon!
This easy salmon recipe uses a simple marinade loaded with spices to create a flavorful fish with the added char and smokiness from the grill. The flakey salmon will become a summertime favorite for easy dinners or barbecues with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe
- Quick recipe. This entire salmon recipe comes together so quickly.
- Easy clean up. This salmon recipe requires little dishes, making for a quick clean-up.
- Healthy dinner. Salmon is rich in omega-3 and proteins, making for the perfect nutrient-dense meal.
Grilled Salmon Marinade
- Salmon – thick salmon filets are best for this recipe.
- Olive oil – makes for the perfect binder for the spices.
- Seasoning – a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lemon – lemon slices are added at the end to give this salmon a fresh burst of flavor.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Customize your Salmon Marinade
This easy salmon recipe is a blank canvas, and you can level it up!
- Teriyaki salmon: Make a homemade teriyaki sauce to turn your grilled salmon into teriyaki salmon.
- Barbecue: Use a simple bbq sauce as a marinade to make your grilled salmon the perfect bbq salmon.
- Honey glaze: We love our easy honey sauce, and it would taste incredible on this salmon.
How to Make Salmon on the Grill
- Add all the marinade ingredients to a large bowl and add the salmon fillets to the bowl. Gently rub the fillets with the marinade. Marinade for at least half an hour.
- Oil the grill grates and preheat the grill to high heat.
- Gently place the salmon fillets on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes and gently flip once. Cook the other side for 4-5 more additional minutes. Garnish with lemon slices and serve!
Other Cooking Methods:
- Oven: Don’t have a grill? No worries! Add the marinated salmon fillet to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baked at 425°F for 12-15 minutes depending on the salmon thickness.
- Stovetop: To cook the salmon in a skillet, add the salmon to an oiled hot pan. Cook on each side for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
- Air fryer: Add the salmon to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
Expert Tips:
- Pick the right salmon: Picking a thick fillet is key for a juicy salmon.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Allow the salmon to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; don’t skip that!
- Be gentle with the salmon: Salmon is a very delicate meat, so when handling it, we gentle with it. Don’t touch it too much while on the grill or else it may begin to break.
- Cedar plank salmon: Cook the salmon on a cedar plank to give the salmon so much flavor.
Grilled Salmon Plating
Salmon can be enjoyed in so many different forms; here are some of our favorite forms:
- Salad: We love a hearty salmon salad, and this grilled salmon makes the perfect protein.
- Bowl: Add the salmon to a bed of homemade white rice and add your favorite toppings to create an easy salmon bowl.
- Potatoes: This salmon will go perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, but you can’t forget a veggie side! Our honey carrot recipe makes the perfect easy side, or you can make oven-roasted broccoli!
- Pasta: Add this salmon to a bowl of creamy tuscan pasta for a gorgeous dish.
Recipe FAQs
Whether you leave the skin on the salmon is a personal preference. If you are using skin on salmon, be sure ti place the salmon skin side down onto the grill.
Yes, you can wrap the salmon in aluminum foil and cook on the grill.
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check that the salmon gets to 145°F.
You want to make sure you oil or spray your grill before adding the salmon. If spraying the grill, spray before you turn it on.
You can use a propane gas grill or a charcoal grill.
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Store the salmon in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
- Reheat. Warm up the salmon fillet on a skillet until reheated.
- Freeze. Store the salmon for longer by freezing it! Add to a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat: Thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight before heating up on a skillet.
More Grilling Recipes
If you enjoyed this grilled salmon recipe, be sure to try our other popular recipes; here are some of our favorites:
If you tried this grilled salmon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Grilled Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine the oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Add the salmon fillets into the marinade and allow to marinate for at least half an hour (or overnight).
- Spray or oil the grill grates. Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Place the salmon onto the grill grates. Cook the salmon 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon reaches 145°F internal heat. Be careful not to move the salmon around much.
- Remove from the grill and top with freshly squeezed lemon juice and enjoy!
Notes
- Pick the right salmon: Picking a thick fillet is key for a juicy salmon.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Allow the salmon to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; don’t skip that!
- Be gentle with the salmon: Salmon is a very delicate meat, so when handling it, we gentle with it. Don’t touch it too much while on the grill or else it may begin to break.
- Storage. Store the salmon in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
- Reheat. Warm up the salmon fillet on a skillet until reheated.
