Easy Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon is a light, healthy dinner prepared on your grill or grill pan! The marinade makes this salmon so flavorful and it’s so easy to make. My kids love this recipe and so do the adults. If you are looking for a delicious, flaky salmon recipe this is going to become your favorite.

I’m a huge fan of cooking salmon and so is the rest of the family, but it’s hard to come by fresh salmon here in Midwest Minnesota. Usually, I am grabbing it out of the frozen foods section, which does the job, but I love fresh salmon! When I was out of town, I grabbed a BIG fillet of salmon and was so excited to try grilling it.

Whether your salmon came fresh or frozen, cut up your fillet into smaller pieces and you are ready to marinade and grill it to perfection! This simple grilled salmon recipe is bursting with flavor from the marinade and it’s so simple, perfect for salmon beginners and experts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Let’s just say that grilled salmon not only tastes amazing, but it’s super simple to make as well. In just a matter of moments, you’ll be enjoying salmon straight from the grill.
• During the summer months, it’s so nice to be able to eat and enjoy a light and healthy meal.
• We’re sharing our quick tricks and tips for perfectly grilled salmon every time. It will be your new favorite dinner when you’re craving fish!

Ingredients For Grilled Salmon

• Peanut oil – This is a great oil to use for marinating grilled fish because it has a neutral flavor but a high smoke point so it is great for grilling.
• Soy sauce – This adds a nice umami profile to the marinade.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds a nice tang to this dish.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and also helps create a delicious caramelized crust for the salmon.
• Minced garlic – Mince it with a knife or grate the garlic to make it easier. Or, use garlic powder instead.
• Sesame oil – This adds a wonderful flavor to the fish.
• Onion powder – I love this savory flavor with the sweetness of the sugar.
• Salmon fillets – I use four 8-ounce salmon fillets. Get a nice fillet with the skin on. The best salmon is going to be a wild caught salmon for more flavor. If you are trying to avoid a lot of fish flavor then grab the farm-raised salmon.
• Optional garnishes: For serving, feel free to sprinkle on a little salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill if you want to add a little extra flavor. We like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, too!

How To Make Grilled Salmon

1. Mix all of the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place the salmon in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the top and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.
2. Take the fish fillets out of the marinade and pat them dry. Preheat your grill or grill pan and oil the grates. Grill salmon skin-side down for five minutes or so and then flip over. Cook just until you can flake them with a fork.

Storage And Reheating

Fridge: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Once salmon has cooled completely, wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Salmon does reheat well but you’re going to want to reheat it on a super low setting so it doesn’t overcook and dry out. Place salmon in a 275 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture.

How Do I Know When Salmon Is Done Grilling?

The easiest way is to check the thickest part of the fillet with an instant-read thermometer. Grilled salmon is done when the internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the fillet with a fork. The salmon flesh will be opaque and should flake easily. Once it does this, it’s ready!

Grilled salmon fillets are such a light and healthy meal. The sweet yet savory marinade perfectly compliments the natural flavor of the salmon. This perfect summer grilling recipe is going to be a hit!

How To Serve Grilled Salmon

This dish pairs with so many sides. Serve this easy salmon recipe with rice and a stir-fry or toss together a Grilled Corn Salad. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are another great side dish option for this recipe.

We love a simple tossed salad with grilled salmon or we pair it with some of our other favorite quick and easy vegetables like Grilled Zucchini or our delicious Asparagus. Add a potato side like Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, or Grilled Sweet Potatoes.

More Great Grilling Seafood Recipes

• You don’t need to feel intimidated by the idea of smoking salmon at home. An easy overnight brine and great step-by-step instructions will have you smoking salmon all year long!
• Turn your salad up a notch and make a Grilled Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad tonight! Loaded with flaky salmon, crisp romaine lettuce, black beans, cherry tomatoes, croutons, pepitas and a homemade southwest dressing, this salad is bursting with fresh flavor.
• Simple ingredients enhance the flavor of juicy shrimp in our Grilled Shrimp recipe. Cook them up in minutes on a busy weeknight for a filling supper that will keep the family fueled for all of their activities.
• Everyone will really go crazy for sticky, Spicy Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Marinade for 30 minutes and then you’ll have delicious grilled shrimp in just minutes.