How Long Does It Take to Cook Salmon on a Weber Grill?

Cooking salmon on a Weber grill can be quick and easy, if you know how long to grill it. The cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on the thickness of the salmon, whether it’s a filet or a steak, whether the skin is on or off, the heat level and grill setup, and doneness preference. With a little preparation and monitoring, you can perfectly grill salmon with a beautiful crust and tender, flaky interior in around 10-30 minutes on a Weber.

Factors That Affect Salmon Grill Times

There are a several key factors that impact how long it takes to cook salmon on a Weber grill:

Thickness

Thinner salmon cuts will cook faster than thicker pieces. It might only take 6 to 8 minutes to cook a salmon fillet that is 1/2 inch thick, but it can take 15 to 20 minutes to cook a 2-inch steak.

Bone-In vs Boneless

Salmon steaks with the bone still in will take longer to cook than an equal-thickness boneless fillet, The bones insulate the meat slightly,

Skin On vs Skin Off

Leaving the skin on while grilling helps hold the salmon together. But it can shield the flesh a bit, so skin-on pieces may need a couple extra minutes.

Heat Level

Cooking over direct high heat around 500°F sears the outside faster Lower heat around 400°F will require more time,

Grill Setup

While direct grilling cooks faster, the salmon may stick and get too done if it’s placed too close to the heat source. Indirect heat is gentler and more forgiving.

Doneness

Salmon is best eaten medium rare to medium, when it’s still pink inside. Cooking to well-done will considerably increase the time.

Average Grill Times for Salmon

Here are some general guidelines for how long to expect to grill salmon on a Weber, depending on the cut and preparation:

• Salmon fillets, 1/2 – 1 inch thick – 6-12 minutes total
  • Skin-on – 8-12 minutes
  • Skinless – 6-10 minutes
• Salmon steaks, 1 – 1 1/2 inches thick – 12-18 minutes total
• Salmon fillet pieces – 8-12 minutes
• Whole salmon – 18-25 minutes (10-15 minutes per pound)

These times are for grilling over direct high heat to get medium doneness. The times will go up if you want your food very well done, use lower heat, grill indirectly, or make the cuts thicker. Brushing with oil or glaze and frequent flipping helps prevent sticking and overcooking.

Monitor for doneness by checking interior color and testing for flakiness. If concerned about over or undercooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check for 135°F for medium rare.

Step-By-Step Guide for Grilling Salmon on a Weber

Follow this simple process for grilling moist, flaky salmon fillets or steaks on a Weber gas or charcoal grill:

1. Prepare the Salmon

• For fillets, check for and remove any pin bones.
• Pat dry with paper towels.
• Brush lightly with oil or dry rub.
• For stronger flavor, coat with teriyaki, pesto, or other marinade.

2. Preheat the Grill

• For direct grilling, heat to 500°F.
• For indirect heat, heat one side to 450°F and turn other burners off.

3. Clean and Oil the Grates

• Scrub grates with grill brush.
• Dip paper towel in vegetable oil and wipe grates.

4. Cook Direct or Indirect

Direct: Grill skin-side down first. Cook 6-8 minutes until released from grates. Flip and cook 5-7 minutes more until opaque and flaky.

Indirect: Place salmon skin-side down on oiled foil on unheated side. Grill 15-25 minutes until done.

5. Check for Doneness

• Look for opaque, lightly browned exterior.
• Check inside – salmon should be moist and flaky.
• Use thermometer to confirm 135°F for medium rare doneness.

6. Remove and Serve

• Use spatulas to gently remove from grill.
• Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly-Grilled Salmon

Grilling salmon requires attention to detail, but the rewards are worth it. Keep these tips in mind:

• Let the salmon come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.

• Oil the hot grates right before adding the fish. Close the lid quickly to prevent sticking.

• Resist the urge to move or flip the salmon too early or it may stick. Let it cook undisturbed first.

• Use two spatulas to gently lift and flip the salmon. Turn over once halfway through.

• Move the salmon away from direct heat if it starts to burn or overcook on the outside before the inside is done.

• Brush with glaze or oils only during the second half of grilling to prevent burning.

• Allow the salmon to rest off heat for a few minutes before serving for juicier results.

With the right prep and techniques, you can achieve beautifully grilled salmon in around 10-30 minutes with your Weber grill. Invest in a good instant-read thermometer and don’t be afraid to lift the lid to check regularly for your desired doneness. In no time, you’ll be an expert at grilling up tender, flaky, delicious salmon fillets and steaks.