Cooking Salmon On Gas Grill

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You don't need a recipe to learn how to grill salmon. Just use this simple technique.

While we love pretty much every grilling recipe, grilled fish can be a little nerve-wracking. Compared to hearty burgers and steaks, salmon fillets look tender and delicate, and the intense heat of the grill might seem like a bad choice. But it's that heat that makes the grill a perfect cooking method for a fish like salmon. The grill's smokiness is a subtle way to amp up salmon's mild flavor, and the high heat creates a deliciously charred finish.

The only problem with grilling fish is that it flakes. If it sticks to the grill, you'll watch your investment crumble into the fiery inferno below before you get to take a bite.

Luckily, we have a bit of good news: Fish doesn't have to stick to the grill. In fact, it's easily avoidable. Learn how to grill salmon—without it sticking—by adopting a few simple techniques.

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Tips on Selecting Salmon

You have a few choices regarding how to buy salmon. For grilled salmon, choose fillets or steaks. The fillets tend to be a bit thinner, so they'll cook up more quickly than the steaks, but both options work well on the grill. Whether you plan to eat the skin or not, it's always best to opt for skin-on salmon, too. That skin gives you a buffer between the delicate flesh and the hot grill, protecting the salmon from the dreaded sticking scenario.

When it comes to the type of salmon, we always opt for wild-caught salmon when we have the option. It's naturally leaner, so you'll need to watch it carefully to keep it from overcooking. But we love its bolder color and more complex, salmon-forward flavor. Farm-raised salmon might be a better fit for some picky eaters, though, because it has a mellower flavor that's nowhere near as bold. It also contains more fat, so it's more forgiving to cook.

Learn more about choosing the best fillet in our ultimate guide to cooking salmon.

Tips for Grill Prep

Keeping the fish from sticking to the grill is a three-pronged approach: You need a clean, preheated and oiled grill. Start by cleaning your grill. Dirty grill grates increase the chances of food sticking. Since the grill is easiest to clean when it's preheated, you just knocked out two of the three essential steps.

Then, before you start cooking, oil both the fish and the grill grates. Rub some cooking oil on a paper towel and, using tongs, lightly coat the grill rack with the oil. You may get a few flare-ups during this process, so always move the tongs from the back of the grill towards the front to protect the hairs on your arms.

Essential Tools We Recommend

For starters, you'll need to decide the right type of grill for your cooking style—gas or charcoal. You can't go wrong with the Napoleon 18-inch Charcoal Kettle grill ($119) if cooking over briquettes or lump charcoal is in your future. If you decided to go for gas grills, look to the Weber Spirit II E-310 ($479). Short on patio space? Go portable with the Weber Q 1200 portable gas grill ($209).

It's also helpful to have a thin, long-handled spatula ($9) and a pair of long grill tongs ($16) for greasing the grill grates.

How to Grill Salmon

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

You'll need:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

Editor's Tip: You can skip the garlic, lemon and rosemary for an even simpler grilled salmon recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the grill

The best way to keep the salmon from sticking is to start with a clean, preheated grill. You're looking for medium-high heat, or 400 to 450° F. For a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they're covered with gray ash and spread them out in an even layer. When you can hold your hand five inches above the coals for 3 to 4 seconds, the grill is ready to go. For a gas grill, turn the burners to medium-high and close the cover for about 15 minutes.

When the grill is fully preheated, clean the grill grates before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Grill the salmon

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, mix the garlic, lemon zest, salt, rosemary and pepper; rub over the salmon fillets. Let stand 15 minutes.

For a simpler take, rub each side of the salmon with a little bit of cooking oil and season with a sprinkle of kosher salt and pepper.

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Prepare the grill by moistening a paper towel with cooking oil. Using long-handled tongs, rub the oiled towel onto the grill rack, moving from the back of the grill towards the front to protect your arms from flare-ups. Place the salmon directly on the grill grates, skin-side down, and place the cover on the grill. After about 4 minutes, the salmon should release easily from the grill grates. Flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, until it reaches the desired temperature (125° F for medium fish, or 145° F for a fish that flakes more easily with a fork).

Step 3: Let it rest

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Salmon is no different from any other meat: It needs to rest after cooking. Given the fillet's small size, you should only need about five minutes. Then, peel off the skin (or eat it if it's crispy enough for your liking) and serve.

Flipping the Salmon

When you're cooking salmon fillets or steaks over direct heat, we recommend flipping them halfway through. Don't worry; if you started with a clean, preheated and oiled grill, your salmon won't stick. After three to four minutes on a hot grill, the salmon will naturally release. Simply get under it with a thin, flat spatula and gently flip it over to finish cooking.

If the idea of flipping the fish makes you nervous, feel free to skip it. Be sure to cook the fish skin-side down and close the lid for the entire cooking time. The ambient heat of the grill will heat the fish all the way through, although the top won't have a beautiful grilled appearance.

Grilling the salmon on a cedar plank is another option for no-flip grilled fish. This technique cooks the fish over indirect heat, and it never comes in contact with the grill grates. Learn how to pull it off with our guide to cedar plank grilling.

Cooking the Salmon Perfectly

The best way to know when salmon is finished cooking is to use a thermometer (like this Thermapen digital thermometer). The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145° F. While that temperature results in a moist, flaky fish, we prefer our fish a little closer to medium—125° F.

If you don't have a thermometer, you can still cook salmon perfectly. Pay attention to the color of the fish on the side of the fillet. You're looking for that translucent pink to turn an opaque white as it creeps up towards the top of the fish. If you gently poke the fish with a fork, it should turn into flaky pieces.

Cook Times

In general, direct heat grilled salmon should take about eight minutes per inch of thickness, or about four minutes per side. Most fillets are an inch or thinner, but salmon steaks can be a little thicker, so you may need additional time.

For indirect heat cedar plank grilled salmon, you can count on anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the salmon.

Can You Grill Salmon Indoors?

If you don't have a grill, you can still cook a grill-like salmon indoors. Cook the salmon in a preheated cast-iron skillet to get a similar sear to what you'll find on the grill. Or take advantage of your broiler. It's essentially a reverse grill, where the heating element is on top of the food instead of the bottom. After preheating the broiler to high, position the salmon four inches below the element. Then, cook it according to the recipe above, flipping it halfway through.

Dishes to Serve with Salmon

Salmon is great on its own, but that doesn't mean you can't complement it with a great sauce or side dish. Try making a tangy dill sauce to serve over the salmon, or top it with an easy flavored butter. For a bolder option, look to this chorizo-olive sauce.

As far as side dishes go, you can't go wrong with grilled vegetables. Try whipping up some foil-pack vegetables, or make your favorite potato salad recipe. For something a little different, try serving salmon with Mediterranean lentils or quinoa with peas and onions.

Our Best Side Dishes for Salmon

Slow-Cooker Spinach & Rice

I started making this in the slow cooker to save oven space during the holidays. It's so convenient, I no longer reserve it for special occasions! Serve it with salmon to make it a meal. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus

Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

White Beans and Spinach

This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York

Brown Rice and Vegetables

This filling rice dish, full of big chunks of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, is a standout combination of sweet and savory flavors perfect for pairing with salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Roasted Asparagus With Thyme

This is good-for-you spring-time side dish is so easy to prepare, yet the simply seasoned spears look appealing enough to serve guests or take to carry-in dinner. -Sharon Leno Keansburg, New Jersey

Herb-Buttered Baby Carrots

The herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide. We love it on baby carrots served with simple pan-seared salmon. —Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Confetti Quinoa

If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Fruit & Spinach Salad

The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina

Kale Quinoa Salad

Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC

Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes

I like trying out new recipes on my boyfriend, and he's always willing to taste-test. The lemon juice and thyme give these golden potatoes fabulous flavor.—Sally Sue Campbell, Greenville, Tennessee

Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

These Brussels sprouts are special enough for company—I like to serve them for Thanksgiving dinner. If you can't find fresh sprouts, try using the frozen one. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

Vegetable Barley Bake

Forget the potatoes and rice, and consider this change-of-pace dinner accompaniment. Wholesome barley makes for a heart-smart dish that complements just about any main course and other sides, too. —Shirley Doyle, Mount Prospect, Illinois

Old-Fashioned Green Beans

Mom would prepare homegrown green beans using this recipe and, boy, did they ever taste good! The bacon provides rich flavor and the brown sugar a touch of sweetness. This is one irresistible side dish. —Willa Govoro, St. Clair, Missouri

Spinach Blueberry Salad

Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker's wife, and it's become one of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri

Glazed Baby Carrots

For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all. —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia

Zucchini in Dill Cream Sauce

My husband and I were dairy farmers until we retired, so I always use fresh, real dairy products in my recipes. This creamy sauce combines all our favorite foods! —Josephine Vanden Heuvel, Hart, Michigan

Zesty Garlic Broccoli

I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years and often experiment with flavors compatible to the many vegetables I prepare. My nephew, who lived with me for a year while going to graduate school, thought this was one of my best creations. —Louiza Kemyan, Palm Springs, California

Savory String Beans

I love making this dish when I can pick the beans right out of the garden and put them into the pot. The fresh taste is unbeatable. I've also made it with beans purchased at the store. Either way, you'll find this recipe a winner. There's no need for any extra seasonings at the table. —Ina Reed, Kingman, Arizona

Vegetable and Barley Pilaf

Hearty, colorful, easy and fast were the reviews we gave this good-for-you dish. Barley has a healthy amount of soluble fiber, which aids digestion. And it can help to lower cholesterol, too! You can easily substitute other fresh veggies you have on hand. —Jesse Klausmeier, Burbank, California

Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower

Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren't cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico

Light Strawberry-Spinach Salad

This strawberry-spinach salad makes a wonderful light summer meal. All of the flavors and colors complement one another very nicely. Farmers here in Washington grow a lot of strawberries, and they're the sweetest ones I've ever tasted. I'm always looking for new and different ways to use them. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Barley Risotto

Low in fat, but high in fiber, this delicious barley risotto puts a twist on the typical dish. With its nutty undertones, barley provides the perfect backdrop for lemon and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Roasted potatoes are amazing. Add some rosemary and caramelized onions and they are over-the-top delicious! —Mary Jones, Athens, Ohio

Oven-Baked Asparagus

I like to use recipes that call for fresh produce I've grown in my garden. Here's a simple way to make baked asparagus to bring out the flavor while maintaining that bright green color. —Robert Foust, Indianapolis, Indiana

Sweet Carrots

Here's a flavorful way to dress up carrots without a lot of fuss. Simply steam the good-for-you veggies, then season with butter, brown sugar, vinegar and a sprinkling of chives. The carrots are not only colorful, but they're tasty, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Nutty Barley Bake

When I started bringing this distinctive dish to holiday dinners, a lot of people had never seen barley in anything but soup. They have since dubbed me "the barley lady", and now I wouldn't dare bring anything this dish. Even if I double the recipe, I come home with an empty pan. -Renate Crump, Los Angeles, California

Baked Vidalia Onions

Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee

Nectarine Arugula Salad

Here's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. —Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia

Lemon Couscous with Broccoli

I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado

Pepper Parmesan Beans

A colorful mixture of peppers and green beans gets an Italian treatment with basil and Parmesan cheese in this delightful vegetable dish. The garlic adds a savory zip. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington

Bulgur Greek Salad

"I've tried to start eating healthier, and this recipe is wonderful, versatile and the ingredients are easy to find... and to have on hand at all times." Jennifer Andrzjewski — Grizzly Flats, California

Zesty Sugar Snap Peas

Lemon pepper and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and a nice accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this six-ingredient recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Oven Parmesan Chips

My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts

I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California

Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl

You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts

Grilled Peppers and Zucchini

This versatile side dish is so simple and quick that I had to share it. Grilling the colorful veggies in a foil packet means one less dish to wash, but I sometimes stir-friy the mixture on the stovetop. —Karen Anderson, Fair Oaks, California

Thyme Green Beans with Almonds

Thyme is a lovely addition to this classic vegetable side dish. The recipe is a snap to make for family, yet special enough to serve guests. —Kenna Baber, Rochester, Minnesota

Parmesan Asparagus

Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad

With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California

Pea Pod Carrot Medley

We grow pea pods, and I wanted to use them in something other than stir-fries. This fit the bill! I've carried it to church potlucks and received compliments on its pretty orange glaze and fresh taste. —Josie Smith, Winamac, Indiana

Herbed Baked Spinach

Parmesan cheese and garlic liven up this spinach dish, which goes well with met entrees and main-dish casseroles. Sometimes, I use broccoli as a spinach substitute. It's equally delicious.

Crispy Smashed Herbed Potatoes

Golden brown and buttery, these spuds live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they're hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio

Roasted Carrots with Cilantro-Walnut Pesto

Lightly baked and lightly flavored, this carrot dish uses cilantro, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and basil. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

Rice Pilaf with Apples & Raisins

I love making bulgar pilaf with apricots. So glad I tried it with dried apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi

Dill & Chive Peas

Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania

Garlic-Herb Pattypan Squash

The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. Using pattypan squash is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes

When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It turned out great! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX

Pomegranate-Hazelnut Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I converted many people to Brussels sprouts with this recipe, and it has since become my most requested dish. The richness of the hazelnuts and the sweetness of pomegranate and orange elevate the sprouts to a new level. —Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania

Cooking Salmon On Gas Grill

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-grill-salmon/

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