How to Grill Salmon

Grilling salmon is one of the easiest ways to bring out its rich flavor and tender texture. Whether you're using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or cedar plank, a few simple techniques can help you achieve perfectly cooked salmon every time.

The key to great grilled salmon is protecting the fish’s delicate texture while allowing the outside to develop a little color and flavor. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grill salmon, including how to prepare it, how long to grill it, and tips for keeping it moist and preventing sticking.

How to Grill Salmon

Grilling salmon is a simple process, but a few preparation steps can make all the difference.

1. Prep your grill. Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F to 450°F. After the grates have heated, use a grill brush to remove any gristle. Then lightly oil the grates using a paper towel and tongs.
2. Pat the salmon dry. Use a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture from the surface of the fish. This helps the salmon cook evenly, reduces risk of sticking, and encourages better browning.
3. Oil and season the salmon. Brush the fillet with a high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil, then season with salt and pepper or your favorite spice blend.
4. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. If your fillet has skin, use it as a natural barrier between the fish and the grill grates. This will also help it stay juicy while cooking. 
5. Cook, flip, then serve. Allow the salmon to cook without moving it for about 2 to 3 minutes. When the fillet can be moved easily from on grates with the help of a fish spatula, flip it and grill remaining side for about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Expect to grill for at least 6 minutes total for a 1-inch thick fillet. 

Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the grill using a fish spatula and serve immediately.

What’s the Best Type of Salmon for Grilling 

Sockeye salmon is an excellent choice for grilling thanks to its firm texture and rich flavor, but coho and king also grill beautifully. The best salmon for grilling ultimately comes down to your flavor and texture preferences. 

How to Prepare Salmon for the Grill

Salmon is naturally flavorful, so you don’t need much to make it delicious on the grill. A simple combination of oil, salt, pepper, and lemon can highlight the fish’s natural richness.

For more variety, try seasoning salmon with:

• A smoky BBQ rub
• Garlic and herbs
• Chili-lime seasoning
• A maple or honey glaze
• Your favorite seafood marinade

If you’re using a marinade, keep it relatively simple and avoid letting salmon sit too long in highly acidic marinades. Ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can begin changing the texture of the fish if left for an extended period.

For the best results, marinate salmon for about 15 to 30 minutes before grilling, then pat dry excess marinade before placing the fish on the grill.

How to Keep Salmon From Sticking to the Grill

One of the biggest concerns when grilling salmon is keeping it from sticking to the grates. Fortunately, salmon has a built-in advantage: the skin.

When grilling salmon with the skin on, place the fillet skin-side down. The skin acts as a natural barrier between the delicate flesh and the hot grill grates, helping protect the fish while it cooks.

If you’re grilling a skinless fillet, you can create a barrier by placing the salmon on a piece of foil. You can also lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to help prevent sticking.

Should You Grill Salmon in Foil?

Another option for grilling salmon is creating a foil packet. This method helps trap moisture and keeps the fish tender while allowing flavors from seasonings, marinades, herbs, and citrus to infuse into the fillet.

To make a simple foil packet:

1. Place salmon on a sheet of foil.
2. Add olive oil, lemon slices, herbs, or your preferred seasonings.
3. Fold the foil tightly around the fish to create a sealed packet.
4. Place the packet directly on the grill until the salmon is cooked through.

This method is especially useful if you’re concerned about sticking or want an extra-moist preparation.

Should You Grill Salmon on a Cedar Plank?

Cedar plank grilling is a classic way to prepare salmon because it adds a subtle smoky flavor while helping the fish retain moisture.

Before grilling, soak the cedar plank in water for several hours (or overnight) to prevent it from burning. Place the salmon skin-side down on the soaked plank, add your favorite seasoning or marinade, and grill until cooked through.

Cedar planks also make serving easy — the salmon can go straight from the grill to the table.  

How Long to Grill Salmon

Grill salmon for 6 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat when cooking a fillet that is about 1 inch thick.

The exact grilling time depends on the thickness of the fillet and the type of salmon you’re cooking. Thinner portions may cook more quickly, while thicker cuts may need additional time.

A few signs that salmon is ready:

• The flesh flakes easily with a fork.
• The center is just cooked through.
• The fish reaches your preferred internal temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F if you like medium-rare salmon.

What’s the Best Salmon for Grilling?

Almost any species of wild salmon can be delicious when prepared on the grill. The best choice depends on the flavor and texture you prefer.

Sockeye salmon is a popular option for grilling because of its firm texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color. Its meaty texture helps it hold together well over high heat. Coho salmon is another excellent choice, offering a slightly milder flavor and a tender texture. King salmon, known for its higher fat content, is especially rich and works well with bold seasonings or simple preparations.

No matter which variety you choose, grilling is a great way to showcase the natural flavor of wild-caught salmon.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: Which Is Better for Salmon?

Both gas and charcoal grills work well for cooking salmon. A gas grill offers more precise temperature control and convenience, making it a great option for weeknight meals. A charcoal grill adds a deeper smoky flavor that many people love for outdoor cooking.

A cast-iron grill plan is also an excellent option, if you're cooking indoors. It's one of our top tools for grilling fish.

Whichever option you use, maintaining consistent heat and avoiding overcooking are the most important factors for great results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Salmon

Do you flip salmon when grilling?

Our recommendation is to flip salmon once while grilling. Wild salmon tends to cook more quickly than farmed salmon, so flipping it helps give you better control over the doneness.

What temperature should salmon be grilled at?

The ideal grill temperature for salmon is medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F.

Can you grill frozen salmon?

Yes, you can grill salmon from frozen. This is best done in a foil packet, so that it can steam through as it cooks. However, this is not our preferred method for cooking salmon. 

A better option is to quick-thaw frozen salmon while you're heating up the grill. You can use those 20-30 minutes of prep time to defrost a fillet. Cooking a defrosted portion of salmon will give you much better, flakier results. 

How do you know when grilled salmon is done?

Grilled salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is cooked through. A thermometer can also help you check the internal temperature for doneness.

Grilled Salmon Recipes to Try

Once you’ve mastered how to grill salmon, try switching things up with different seasonings, sauces, and toppings. A simple grilled salmon fillet can become the foundation for salads, grain bowls, tacos, or a complete summer meal.

A simple, grilled fillet of salmon is the start of this summer salad with grilled mango. Or, consider using a Moroccan spice blend on sockeye for a smoky take on grilled salmon. A fresh, acidic sauce like escabeche is also a great topping for grilled salmon.

For more inspiration, explore more grilled salmon recipes on the blog.