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Easy Grilled Salmon Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

This easy grilled salmon recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare perfectly cooked salmon fillets. Using simple ingredients like olive oil, butter, and fresh lemon juice, the salmon is seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection with a slightly crispy exterior. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, this method ensures tender, flaky fish ready in just 12 minutes.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 2 8-ounce salmon fillets

Seasoning and Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Coarse salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Portion the salmon: Portion the salmon fillets to the size of your liking to ensure even cooking and appropriate serving size.
  2. Pat dry: Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the salmon dry on all sides. This helps promote better searing on the grill.
  3. Coat with oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and rub it in to coat all sides evenly, which prevents sticking and adds flavor.
  4. Season the fillets: Generously season both sides of the salmon with coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper for balanced seasoning.
  5. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, targeting a temperature range of 450° to 550°F for optimal searing.
  6. Clean the grill: Once the grill is hot, use a grill brush to clean the grates thoroughly to avoid sticking and ensure clean grill marks.
  7. Oil the grill grates: Saturate a kitchen towel with oil and use long tongs to rub it on the grill grates, creating a non-stick surface.
  8. Grill the salmon, flesh side down: Place the salmon fillets flesh side down on the grill and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a good sear.
  9. Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and/or tongs, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches about 125°F, indicating medium doneness.
  10. Rest and add finishing touches: Remove the salmon from the grill and drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice. Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the grill is properly preheated and clean for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked salmon.
  • Letting the salmon rest after grilling improves moisture and flavor.
  • You can adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of your fillets.
  • Serve with fresh lemon wedges or herbs for extra brightness if desired.