The Perfect Temperature for Grilling Salmon

Salmon is one of my favorite foods to cook on the grill during the warmer months. When cooked properly, grilled salmon turns out moist, flaky and full of flavor. However, it can be tricky to get the temperature just right. If your grill is too hot, the salmon will burn and dry out. If it’s not hot enough, the fish won’t get that nice sear and char. So what’s the perfect temperature for grilling salmon to perfection?

After years of grilling salmon, I’ve found that a medium-high heat of around 375-400°F is ideal. This temperature range gives you the best of both worlds – salmon that is lightly charred on the outside while still being moist and tender on the inside.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly why this temperature range works so well and share my tips for grilling flawless salmon every time.

Why Medium-High Heat is Best

Cooking salmon at a medium-high heat, about 375-400°F, gives you a few key benefits:

• A light char Salmon contains a decent amount of fat and oils that help keep it moist during cooking At a medium-high temperature, the surface of the fish will lightly char and caramelize without burning This adds great flavor.

• Cooks through without drying Salmon cooks fast especially fillets that are less than 1.5 inches thick. The medium-high heat gently cooks the fish all the way through without turning it dry and rubbery.

• Prevents sticking: Grilling at a lower temperature increases the chances of your fish sticking to the grill. The medium-high heat helps sear the outside of the fish right away, preventing it from adhering to the grates.

To sum up, medium-high heat lets you get the char and flavor you want without cooking the fish too much. It’s the ideal balance.

How to Tell if Your Grill is at Medium-High

If you don’t have a grill thermometer, you can use the “hand test” to make sure the grill is hot enough:

• Hold your hand about 4-5 inches above the grill grates and count how many seconds you can comfortably keep it there.

• For a medium-high temperature of 375-400°F, you should be able to hold your hand over the grill for about 4 seconds.

• If you can only hold your hand over the heat for 2 seconds or less, the grill is too hot. Let it cool down slightly before adding the salmon.

• If you can hold your hand over the grill for 6-7 seconds, it’s not quite hot enough. Let it preheat a bit longer.

This hand test works for both gas and charcoal grills. It’s a handy trick to gauge the temperature when you don’t have a thermometer on hand.

Other Tips for Grilling Salmon

Follow these additional tips for flawless, mouthwatering grilled salmon every single time:

• Center-cut fillets are best. These are cut from the thicker, middle part of the fish. They’ll cook more evenly with no dry edges.

• Dry the fish well: Pat salmon fillets very dry before grilling. Excess moisture can cause it to steam instead of sear.

• Brush the grill grates: Lightly coat the hot grill grates with oil before adding the fish. This prevents sticking.

• Start skin-side down: If cooking skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down first. The skin helps hold the flesh together as it cooks.

• Use a grill basket: Placing fillets in a well-greased grill basket keeps them intact on the grill. Foil pouches work too.

• Cook to 145°F: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F.

Grilling Salmon in Foil

If you’re cooking a large salmon fillet or want an especially easy cooking method, try grilling salmon in foil pouches. Here’s how:

1. Place fillet in center of a large piece of foil & add seasoning

2. Seal the edges of the foil to make a pouch

3. Grill at medium-high heat for 14-18 minutes

4. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the salmon reached 145°F

The foil pouch contains any marinade or seasoning and infuses the salmon with extra flavor. Just be sure to poke a few small holes in the top so steam can escape.

My Favorite Grilled Salmon Recipes

Once you’ve mastered cooking salmon on the grill at the right temperature, give these delicious recipes a try:

• Lemon Garlic Salmon: Marinated in garlic, lemon, herbs & olive oil

• Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon: Brushed with a sticky-sweet Asian glaze

• Salmon with Avocado Salsa: Topped with a chunky, colorful salsa

• Cedar Plank Salmon: Infused with smoky flavor from the cedar wood

Grilling salmon at medium-high heat helps ensure it turns out moist and tender every time. Aim for 375-400°F on the grill, use the “hand test” to check the temperature, and follow the tips above for salmon that’s perfectly cooked from the first bite to the last. Enjoy!