Mastering the Perfect Grill Time for Succulent Salmon Kabobs

I’m going to show you how to make Grilled Salmon Kebabs, which is one of my favorite things to grill with fresh salmon and is also very easy to do.

Grilled salmon is 100% one of my most favorite foods ever. And it isn’t something we only eat in the summer time or warmer months. We are grilling all year around over here. The main reason is that I don’t like the smell of fish cooking inside, and also there are some foods that taste better when they’re cooked on a grill. And salmon is so one of them.

You can put these salmon kebabs on top of your favorite salad, in a bowl of rice, or with your favorite sides. My kids love eating salmon too (especially Ezra) so we are grilling it a lot. It gets crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, just the way I like it. There is nothing worse than overcooked salmon so be sure not to overcook it!.

If you have cooked salmon left over, I suggest eating it cold or reheating it in a pan on the grill so it doesn’t get dry.

I can’t wait to hear what you think!! If you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and TikTok.

There’s nothing more summery than the smell of salmon cooking on the grill. Putting grilled salmon on kabobs is a simple and classy way to eat it. Putting colorful vegetables and hearty chunks of salmon on skewers makes a dish that looks beautiful. Plus, the bold flavors of the salmon pair beautifully with the crisp-tender vegetables. However, grilling kabobs requires paying attention to cook times. Undercook them and the salmon can be gummy and raw. Go too long and you’ll end up with sad, dried out kebobs. How long do you need to grill salmon kabobs for the vegetables to get crisp and the salmon to be soft?

The Optimal Grill Time for Salmon Kabobs

The ideal grilling time for salmon kabobs is about 5 to 8 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat To break it down

2-3 minutes per side sears the outside
2-3 more minutes firms up the inside to flaky doneness

This yields a total grill time of 10-16 minutes for wonderfully moist salmon with a nice char, The vegetables sandwiched between the salmon pieces will become tender and charred in the same time frame,

Of course, the exact duration can vary based on a few factors:

Thickness of salmon chunks – Bigger 15-inch pieces need a minute or two longer than 1-inch cubes
Density of vegetables – Denser veggies like onions take longer than tomatoes
Grill heat – Cooler heat requires more time than a piping hot grill
Desired doneness – Cook a minute or two less for more rare center

But the 10-minute cook time per batch of kabobs is a foolproof place to start.

Step-By-Step Guide for Grilling Salmon Kabobs

Follow these simple steps for grilling up tender, flavorful salmon kabobs:

1. Cut Salmon and Vegetables into Chunks

Cut salmon fillets into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Skinless is easiest for kabobs.
Chop veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, red onion into 1-inch pieces.
Slice softer produce like cherry tomatoes and cubed pineapple about 3/4-inch thick.

2. Assemble Kabobs

If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
Thread salmon and veggies through skewers, leaving a little space in between.
Brush kabobs with oil and season with salt, pepper, herbs, etc.

3. Preheat Grill to Medium-High

Use direct heat around 425-450°F.
Lightly oil the grill grates for easiest flipping.

4. Grill Kabobs, Turning Periodically

Place kabobs diagonally across grates to prevent spinning.
Grill about 5-6 minutes per side.
Turn gently every 2-3 minutes for even charring.

5. Check Salmon Frequently For Doneness

Salmon should turn opaque and flaky when ready, about 125-135°F internally.
Vegetables will be tender-crisp and charred in same time.
Remove promptly to avoid overcooking.

Handy Tips For Grilling Salmon Kabobs Like a Pro

Choose sustainable wild-caught salmon for best flavor. Sockeye and Coho are great picks.
Opt for metal skewers to prevent charring wooden ones.
Alternate veggies and fruit with salmon for colorful contrast.
Brush with oil before and during grilling to prevent sticking.
Use a grill basket for easier flipping if needed.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.

Top Salmon Kabob Recipe Combinations

Mix and match your favorite flavors when making these sensational skewers. Here are some dynamite salmon kabob recipe ideas:

Hawaiian Salmon Kabobs – Salmon, pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, teriyaki glaze

Mediterranean Salmon Kabobs – Salmon, zucchini, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, oregano

Tropical Salmon Kabobs – Salmon, mango, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime dressing

Greek Salmon Kabobs – Salmon, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lemon, olive oil, oregano

Southwestern Salmon Kabobs – Salmon, peppers, onion, corn, avocado, Southwest seasoning

Handy Resources For Grilling Salmon Perfection

Take your grilled salmon game to the next level with this expert advice:

How to Buy Quality Salmon for Grilling – Shop smart for the best salmon.
Grilled Salmon Mistakes to Avoid – Steer clear of pitfalls that lead to dry salmon.
Comprehensive Guide to Grilled Salmon – Tips from grill master Jess Pryles.
How to Know When Salmon is Done – Check for doneness with a thermometer or touch test.

With these handy grilling time guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to serving up tender, juicy salmon kabobs all summer long. Just be sure to keep a close eye on those skewers so the salmon doesn’t overcook. Enjoy the fun flavors and textures of the salmon and veggies coming together in perfect harmony. Grilled salmon kabobs never disappoint as an easy yet impressive entree for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, beach picnics, and more.

how long to grill salmon kabobs

What ingredients you need to grill salmon kebabs:

Salmon – cut in 1-inch pieces. I use organic scottish salmon or wild alaskan usually.
Olive oil—it’s important to use good extra virgin olive oil!
Sea salt and black pepper
Lemon – fresh lemon juice on salmon is the best
Bamboo skewers: To keep them from burning, make sure to soak them in water before using them.

How to grill simple salmon skewers:

Set the grill to medium heat and soak the bamboo skewers in water for a few minutes to make them soft. This will keep them from burning on the grill.
Pour oil, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice over the salmon in the bowl. You can add more spices if you want to!
Let the salmon sit in the sauce for a while, then carefully put it on skewers. Spray the skewers with oil to make them easy to hold.
Turn the food over halfway through the 8–10 minutes it’s on the grill.
Enjoy while warm with desired sides

Grilled Salmon Kabobs Recipe

FAQ

How long does it take salmon to grill on the grill?

Salmon cooks quickly on the grill (usually no more than 12 minutes total), so don’t walk away or get distracted. The salmon will be medium-rare when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 120 degrees F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow for some carryover cooking.

How to barbecue salmon kabobs?

Spray grill with cooking spray or oil grill with avocado oil. Heat it to 350F. Once the grill is heated, add the skewers and grill about 3-5 minutes per side, total about 12-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through, basting with the sauce a few times.

Do you have to flip salmon on the 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.

Is it better to grill salmon in foil or not?

While you can grill salmon without foil (see these classic Grilled Salmon Fillets and Cedar Plank Salmon for recipes), for a foolproof method that works especially well for a large piece of salmon, use the foil packet method. Using foil to make a packet around the salmon keeps the salmon moist when grilling.

How do you cook salmon kabobs on a grill?

Serve salmon kabobs and grilled vegetables with lemon slices, lavash, rice and sumac on the side. Stove top: Brush a grill pan or griddle with olive oil and heat at medium. Place the skewers in one layer, spacing them apart. Cook 4 to 5 minutes on one side, flip and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until opaque.

How long do you cook salmon kebabs on a grill?

Brush the skewers with the marinade leftover in the bowl and place them onto the grill grate, directly over the coals. Grill salmon kebabs for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on how thick your salmon filets were. If your salmon filets are small, keep cooking time to 3 minutes per side.

How long do you cook kabobs on a grill?

Grill the kabobs. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450˚F) with a grill grate or a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes total, turning once. How long do you soak skewers for kabobs? Wooden skewers should be soaked for at least 30 minutes to ensure they won’t burn on the grill.

How do you marinate salmon in a kabob?

Whisk to combine. Place the cubed salmon into the marinade and cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the salmon to marinate. While the salmon marinates, soak the wooden skewers. Assemble the skewers with a lemon slice between each of the salmon cubes, about 5 salmon pieces per kabob.