Simple Grilled Salmon is a summertime favorite! It’s easy to make on the grill, and is light and healthy for a quick dinner that’s good for you too.
How long does it take salmon to cook on the grill?
Cooking time for salmon on a grill will vary depend on the thickness of your salmon filet or salmon portion. A 1-inch thick salmon portion will take approximately 8 minutes to cook.
What temperature for grilled salmon?
The USDA recommends that fish needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. However, some say that salmon is overdone at this point. For a medium to medium well cook on your salmon, remove the salmon from the grill when it reaches 125-130 degrees F and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Do you have to flip salmon on the grill?
No, you don’t have to flip the salmon if you are concerned about it sticking. Well seasoned grates cook fish really well without sticking, but if you have unseasoned grates or are concerned, simply cook the salmon skin side down without flipping. You won’t get those beautiful grill marks, but the salmon will be able to cook through all the way with the lid of the grill closed.
If you like this recipe, check out these other great salmon recipes:
- The Best Salmon Marinade
- Easy 5 Ingredient Baked Salmon
- Garlic Herb Baked Salmon
- Healthy Baked Chili Lime Salmon
- Orange Ginger Grilled Salmon Steaks
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Best Grilled Salmon Recipe
- 4 skin-on salmon portions about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Rub flesh side of salmon portions with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour over salmon portions in a shallow dish or gallon sized plastic bag. Let marinate 30 minutes.
- Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, about 500 degrees F.
- Place the salmon skin side up over direct heat on the grill. Close the lid and let cook 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks form.
- Use tongs or a spatula to gently flip the salmon skin side down. Either reduce the heat to medium for a gas grill, or to indirect heat for charcoal. The salmon should release easily from the grill grates. Continue cooking with the lid close for another 4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Salmon needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Serve salmon with lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating.