Grilled salmon is not only a quick and delicious dish but also one of the healthiest options when you're looking to bring some diversity to your dinner table. Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, not only supports heart health but also provides a hefty dose of protein with each serving. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner, these five grilled salmon recipes will excite your taste buds and streamline your meal preparation. Let's dive into some mouth-watering grilled salmon ideas that you can easily master.
Recipe 1: Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
Nothing says ‘fresh’ quite like lemon and herbs, and when these flavors are paired with salmon, you get a dish that’s both invigorating and delicious.
- Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Preparation:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place lemon slices and herbs over the top of the salmon.
- Grill the salmon, skin side down, for about 6-8 minutes or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
📝 Note: Always brush your grill grates with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Recipe 2: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
This Asian-inspired recipe adds a sweet and savory twist to your regular grilled salmon, creating a caramelized crust that’s irresistible.
- Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Preparation:
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Marinate the salmon in this mixture for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the salmon, brushing with extra marinade, for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
Recipe 3: Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilling salmon on a cedar plank infuses the fish with a unique smoky flavor, making it a showstopper at any barbecue.
- Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 untreated cedar plank
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
- Preparation:
- Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Season salmon with butter, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon on the cedar plank and grill indirectly (with the lid closed) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Recipe 4: Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon
If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, this spicy honey-glazed salmon will certainly fit the bill.
- Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Preparation:
- Mix honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, olive oil, and chili flakes in a bowl.
- Brush the salmon fillets with half of the sauce before grilling.
- Grill the salmon over medium heat, basting with remaining sauce, for about 6-8 minutes on each side.
📝 Note: Be careful when grilling salmon with sweet glazes like honey, as they can cause flare-ups. Grill on lower heat and keep a close watch.
Recipe 5: Mediterranean Grilled Salmon
Infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this recipe brings together olives, capers, and fresh herbs for a savory delight.
- Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Juice of one lemon
- Preparation:
- Mix olives, capers, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread this mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Grill the salmon, starting skin-side down, for 5-7 minutes, then turn and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
With these five recipes, your grilling sessions are guaranteed to be both nutritious and flavorful. Each dish offers a unique taste experience, from the brightness of lemon to the depth of teriyaki or the subtle smokiness of cedar plank cooking. Remember, the key to perfectly grilled salmon is not overcooking, so keep an eye on the color and texture of the fish to achieve that ideal, juicy center. Experiment with different marinades or sides, like grilled vegetables or couscous, to complement your salmon and elevate your culinary skills.
How do I know when salmon is done grilling?
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Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon for these recipes?
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Yes, thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator first, then pat dry with paper towels before grilling for best results.
What sides go well with grilled salmon?
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Grilled vegetables, quinoa salad, or roasted asparagus pair wonderfully with grilled salmon.
Do I need to marinate the salmon?
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While marinating adds flavor, you can also season right before grilling for a quick preparation.
How can I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
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Always clean and oil the grill grates before cooking, and start grilling the salmon skin-side down.
