Do You Need to Flip Salmon on the Grill? A Guide to Perfect Grilled Salmon

You want to cook salmon on the grill? These delicious grilled salmon recipes will help you make a great meal.

You’ve probably heard this before: salmon is very healthy because it has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. A Good Housekeeping article called “Why Salmon Needs to Become Part of Your Diet ASAP” says that it also helps burn fat, protect your heart, keep your blood sugar in check, and even reduce inflammation.

And there are so many ways to cook it. Have you tried broiled salmon? That’s how I usually cook it when it’s cold outside and my grill is covered in snow. But in the spring, summer and fall, I take my cooking outside.

Fortunately, it’s easy and tasty to cook salmon on the grill. Wondering how? Here’s what you need to know.

As an avid griller, salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook over a hot flame. When done right, the salmon turns out moist, tender and full of smoky flavor. However, grilling this delicate fish can also go horribly wrong if you don’t use the proper technique. One of the big questions newcomers to salmon grilling have is: do you need to flip the fillets during cooking or can you just place them flesh-side down and leave them alone?

Salmon can be grilled without being flipped, but I really think you should do it at least once while they’re cooking. Flipping helps make sure that both sides are cooked the same amount, gets nice grill marks, and lets you add flavor to both sides. This article will tell you when and how to flip salmon fillets on the grill so that you don’t end up with the dreaded “salmon sticks.”

Should You Flip Salmon on the Grill?

Many novice grillers are hesitant to flip salmon fillets because they are delicate and prone to sticking and falling apart. However, there are some good reasons to flip salmon during grilling:

When you flip something, you cook both sides evenly instead of just the bottom that’s on the grill grates. This prevents undercooking.
It allows you to add cross-hatched grill marks that look and taste amazing.
Flipping lets you add a glaze, sauce or rub to the top side during the final minutes of grilling.

So while flipping requires more effort, it is worth it for better results. Follow these tips to flip salmon without any sticking or breaking issues

Grill Salmon Skin-Side Down First

Salmon skin has a high oil and collagen content that helps protect the delicate flesh from direct heat
Grilling skin-side down first allows the firmer skin to form a nice crust.
Once the skin is browned, it will come off the grill on its own, making flipping easy.
Grill for 6-8 minutes skin-side down before flipping to cook the flesh side.

Use Two Spatulas to Flip

Using two thin spatulas provides more support and control during flipping.
Gently slide one spatula under the belly end and the other under the thinner tail.
In one smooth motion, flip the fillet over onto the second spatula.

Don’t Rush the Flip

If the salmon doesn’t release cleanly, don’t force it. Leave it for another minute or two.
Salmon will flake apart if you try to flip it too soon before the skin has crisped.
Use a spatula to gently check if it moves freely before flipping.

Oil the Salmon, Not the Grates

Brush salmon fillets with oil instead of oiling the grates.
Oil adheres to the fish, not just the grill, for easy release.
Use high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed or peanut oil.

Cook Over Direct Heat

Avoid flare-ups by keeping fatty drippings from accumulating on burners.
Use direct heat so fillets sear quickly. Cooking over indirect heat increases sticking.
Clean the grill thoroughly before cooking for best results.

Add Glaze/Rub During Last Flip

After flipping once, add any glazes, sauces or rubs to the top side.
Grill for just 1-2 minutes after adding flavorings to avoid burning.
Brush on glazes using a silicone brush or spoon for easiest application.

Don’t Grill Too Many Pieces

Avoid overcrowding which steams rather than sears.
Grill no more than 2-3 portions at a time for best results.
Use similar thickness fillets so thinner pieces don’t overcook.

Review Grill Marks and Flaking

Check for nicely crossed grill marks once salmon is cooked through.
Flesh should flake apart easily and appear opaque throughout when done.
Use tongs and a spatula to peek at the underside for doneness clues.
An instant read thermometer should register 145°F when salmon is finished grilling.

Mistakes to Avoid

While flipping salmon takes a bit of practice, you can avoid these common grilling mistakes:

Don’t move fillets repeatedly. Let sear undisturbed at first.
Avoid flareups. Move to indirect heat if needed.
Don’t grill thick and thin fillets together.
Don’t grill on dirty grates. Brush and oil thoroughly first.

Grilled Salmon Recipes

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try out these tasty grilled salmon recipes:

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon – Grill with lemony garlic butter sauce
Blackened Salmon – Spicy Cajun kick
Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and sticky honey mustard glaze
Salmon Burgers – Top with avocado, sprouts and spicy mayo

So while flipping salmon on the grill takes a bit more finesse, the extra effort yields big rewards. With the right tools, preparation and techniques, you can flip salmon fillets with ease. Say goodbye to sad salmon blobs and hello to professional-level grill marks and flavor. What are your best tips for perfect grilled salmon?

do you have to flip salmon on the grill

How to season grilled salmon

Salmon is a fish that can be wonderful when it’s seasoned simply. But it’s also delightful with a little more flavor.

In terms of how to season grilled salmon, you have three basic options:

There is no need to prepare food for dry seasoning, which is the method I use most often. Just sprinkle the salmon with whatever seasoning you want. It could be as easy as salt and pepper (my favorite!) or a more complicated mix that you buy or make yourself. To use dry seasoning, just sprinkle it on.
Another great way to season grilled salmon is with a marinade, but it does take a little more work. Putting the salmon in the marinade ahead of time is important. At least 30 minutes before grilling is good, but an hour is usually better. Hint: When marinating, place the salmon in skin side up. In this way, you can eat the part of the fish that is most submerged.
Glaze—Another choice! If you don’t have time to marinate and want something stronger than dry seasoning, glaze the salmon. You only need to brush on the glaze once or twice while the food is cooking. It will give the outside of the salmon great flavor.

How long to grill salmon

Salmon cooks pretty quickly. Put the skin side down on the grill and turn it over at least six times. It’s ready to flip once it releases easily. If you want it well done, cook it for another four to eight minutes, or until it comes apart easily. And then it’s ready to serve.

THIS is How I Get Perfectly Grilled Salmon Every Single Time

How long do you flip salmon on a grill?

As always use these times as a base, true times will depend on the thickness of your salmon and temperature of your grill. But as a general rule you’ll grill salmon for 6-8 minutes skin side down, flip once and then grill 1-2 minutes flesh side down. Do you have to flip salmon on the grill? No. You don’t have to.

Is fresh salmon safe to eat?

Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.

Does grilled salmon stick to the grill?

Salmon with the skin off easily sticks to the grill. Another great way to prevent sticking to the grill is to make grilled salmon in foil. Here are the pros and cons to this method: Grilled salmon in foil eliminates the need to flip the fish on the grill, since the fish cooks right on top of aluminum foil.

How do you wrap salmon on a grill?

If your piece of foil is not large enough, place a second piece on top and fold the edges under so that it forms a sealed packet. Leave a little room inside the foil for air to circulate. Carefully slide the wrapped salmon onto the grill.