How to BBQ Salmon Perfectly Every Time

Grilling salmon on the barbecue can seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make restaurant-quality salmon at home. As barbecue enthusiasts, we’ve experimented with all kinds of methods and recipes over the years to nail down the perfect way to bbq salmon so it turns out moist, flaky and full of flavor every single time.

In this guide, we’ll share everything we’ve learned about how to bbq salmon the right way from choosing the best salmon cuts to prevent sticking to infusing flavor with rubs, marinades and glazes. We’ll also cover cooking methods, doneness temperatures and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll be a salmon grilling pro!

Picking the Right Salmon Cuts

Picking the right cut of salmon is the first thing you need to do to make it taste great on the grill. Here are the best salmon options for the barbecue:

• Salmon Fillets: Skin-on fillets are ideal for grilling salmon. The skin prevents sticking and protects the delicate flesh. Aim for 4-6 oz portions.

• Salmon steaks are made by cutting the fillet across the grain and leaving the skin and inside fat on. They hold up well on the grill.

• Whole Salmon A whole side of salmon works beautifully for grilling or smoking. Remove pin bones first.

For best results, always choose fresh wild-caught salmon rather than farmed The flesh has better flavor and texture

Preventing Sticking

To prevent your beautifully barbecued salmon from fusing to the grill grates, there are a few simple tricks:

• Use Skin-On Fillets: The skin naturally prevents sticking. Oil the skin before grilling.

• Grill on a Plank: Set fillets on a soaked cedar plank to keep it off direct heat.

• Use Foil or Grill Mats: Make a foil pouch or set fish on a grill mat for easy flipping.

• Brush Grates: Oil grates thoroughly before adding fish. I like using an oil mister.

With these techniques, the salmon should release cleanly when ready to flip and remove.

Seasoning Salmon for the Grill

One of the keys to incredible grilled salmon is packing in flavor. A dry rub, marinade or glaze can take your salmon to the next level.

Dry Rubs

A salt and spice rub is quick and easy. Blend and rub onto fillets at least 30 minutes before grilling. Try:

• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Lemon pepper
• Dill
• Cajun seasoning

Wet Marinades

For more tender salmon, marinate 1-2 hours. Some tasty combos:

• Soy sauce, lime, honey, garlic
• Olive oil, dijon, lemon, herbs
• Teriyaki, sesame oil, garlic

Glazes and Sauces

Brush on sweet and savory glazes during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Delicious options:

• Honey garlic
• Pineapple salsa
• BBQ sauce
• Hoisin
• Balsamic reduction

Don’t be afraid to get creative with rubs, marinades and glazes to put your signature spin on grilled salmon!

Mastering the Perfect Grilled Salmon Technique

Now that you’ve got beautifully seasoned salmon ready for the grill, it’s time for the fun part – firing up the barbecue! Follow these simple steps for salmon grilling success:

1. Prepare Your Grill

• For gas grills, preheat to medium heat (350°F to 400°F).

• For charcoal, prepare a two-zone fire with high heat on one side and low heat on the other.

• Oil grates well to prevent sticking.

2. Grill The Salmon

• Place salmon skin-side down first if using skin-on fillets.

• Grill over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes to sear.

• Flip and move salmon to low heat zone.

• Continue grilling until salmon flakes and is opaque in center.

3. Check for Doneness

• Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 140°F on a meat thermometer.

• The flesh should flake easily with a fork but still be moist in the center.

4. Rest and Serve

• Let salmon rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with extra glaze or herbs. Fresh lemon wedges complete the flavor.

And that’s all there is to it! Follow this simple salmon grilling method and you’ll have tender, flaky salmon with gorgeous grill marks and lots of flavor.

Common Grilled Salmon Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced grillers can occasionally mess up salmon. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

Cooking Over Direct High Heat

This dries out the delicate salmon. Use a two-zone fire and move to indirect heat to finish.

Under or Overcooking

Use a thermometer and don’t walk away. Salmon overcooks quickly.

Turning Too Often

Resist flipping frequently. Let it cook undisturbed to get grill marks.

Forgetting Skin and Bones

Check for pinbones. Leave skin on while grilling to prevent sticking.

Grilling Frozen Salmon

Always thaw salmon first for safety and better texture.

See? With a few insider tips, you can dodge the pitfalls and grill salmon flawlessly every summer.

Grilling Salmon Recipes

Ready to get grilling? Here are some of my favorite foolproof recipes for delicious barbecued salmon:

Molasses Glazed Grilled Salmon

This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors to create incredible grill-kissed salmon. Brush on molasses glaze during the last 10 minutes of grilling. The pastrami seasoning blend also adds great flavor.

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup molasses
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp white wine
• Red pepper flakes

Rub Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup black pepper
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp coriander
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Cedar Plank Salmon with Honey Balsamic Glaze

This recipe uses a soaked cedar plank to add subtle smoky flavor. Baste salmon with sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze just before removing from the grill.

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon

Zesty lemon and fresh herbs make a simple and delicious marinade for salmon fillets. Let marinate 30 minutes before hitting the hot grill.

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 2 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper

With these foolproof salmon recipes, you’ll have everything you need to master grilling incredible salmon all summer long. The flavors are sensational, and preparing salmon on the barbecue is much easier than you think.

Next time you fire up the grill, give salmon a try using the tips and techniques we covered. Let us know how your grilled salmon creations turn out! We’d love to see your beautiful plates of barbecue salmon.