Master the art of grilled salmon with this foolproof recipe! Learn how to get juicy, flaky, and flavorful salmon every time—perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ.
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 8-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- Salmon: 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon: 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, parsley, or a mix
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Equipment:
- Grill
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Shallow dish or zip-top bag
- Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 1 hour, but avoid longer marinating times as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the fish.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean. To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grates with cooking oil.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels (this helps with searing and prevents steaming).
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) on the preheated grill. If using skinless fillets, place them directly on the grates.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon
- Grill for 4-6 minutes without moving the salmon. This will help develop nice grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula.
- Continue grilling for another 4-6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve
- Carefully remove the grilled salmon from the grill and place it on a serving plate.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing and your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a salad.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled salmon!
