Salmon is one of the most popular fish to cook on the barbecue. With its firm flesh and rich, fatty texture, salmon can turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and tender when cooked over a hot grill. But exactly how long should you barbecue salmon to perfection? Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about how long to BBQ salmon.
How Long Does Salmon Take to Cook on a BBQ Grill?
The cooking time for salmon on a barbecue grill can vary depending on the thickness of the fillet, the heat of the grill and whether the salmon is bone-in or boneless. Here are some general BBQ salmon cooking times to follow:
- For a 1-inch thick salmon fillet: Cook for 4-7 minutes per side.
- For a 11⁄2-inch thick salmon fillet: Cook for 6-8 minutes per side.
- For a 2-inch thick salmon fillet: Cook for 8-12 minutes per side.
- For a whole salmon steak or fillet with skin and bones: Cook for 10-15 minutes per side.
These BBQ cooking times are based on having your grill heated to a medium-high temperature, around 350-450°F. Cooking time will be shorter on a hotter grill or longer on a cooler grill.
As a general rule of thumb, estimate 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning the salmon just once halfway through cooking. This will give you moist, flaky salmon that is opaque all the way through.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done on the BBQ
Rather than relying just on BBQ cooking time, the most accurate way to check if your salmon is perfectly cooked is to use a digital food thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the fillet, away from any bones.
Here are the ideal internal temperatures for salmon:
- Medium-rare salmon: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium salmon: 130°F (55°C)
- Well-done salmon: 140°F (60°C)
When the salmon flakes easily using a fork, it is also a sign it is fully cooked through. Let the salmon rest off the grill for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
BBQ Salmon Cooking Tips
- Pat salmon fillets dry before grilling to help them develop a nice crust on the BBQ.
- Brush the grill grates and salmon lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill salmon fillets skin-side down first for crispy skin.
- Use a fish basket or cedar plank to easily flip and transfer salmon on the grill.
- For a smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to the grill. Alder, maple and fruit woods work well with salmon.
- Glaze the salmon in the last 2-3 minutes of grilling with a sauce or marinade to keep it moist.
- Resist the urge to move the salmon too much. Let it sear to get grill marks.
- Allow thick fillets to rest off the grill for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Common BBQ Salmon Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling salmon may look easy, but there are some common mistakes that can lead to dry, overcooked fish. Follow these tips for perfect grilled salmon every time:
- Don’t grill salmon without any oil. Brush both the fish and the grill lightly with oil so the salmon doesn’t stick.
- Don’t flip salmon more than once. Just one turn halfway through is enough for even cooking.
- Don’t move salmon around the grill. Let it sear without disturbing it to get nice grill marks.
- Don’t grill salmon on too high heat. Medium-high heat, 375°F or so, is best for cooking salmon without drying it out.
- Don’t grill salmon too long. It’s easy to overcook salmon, so stick to 10 minutes max per inch of thickness.
- Don’t grill thick and thin fillets together. They require different cook times so should be grilled separately.
6 Delicious Ways to BBQ Salmon
The simple flavor of salmon fresh off the grill is hard to beat. But you can also dress it up with sauces, glazes or extra ingredients. Try these tasty BBQ salmon recipes:
1. Lemon Garlic Salmon
Brush salmon with a zippy lemon garlic marinade before grilling. The bright citrus flavor complements the salmon perfectly.
2. Honey Soy Salmon
Sweet honey and salty soy sauce combine as a mouthwatering salmon glaze. Baste onto the salmon in the last few minutes of grilling.
3. Blackened Salmon
Coat salmon with a blend of cajun spices before grilling for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
4. Maple Salmon
Maple syrup makes a stellar sweet and sticky glaze for salmon. For added texture, coat the fillets with crushed maple pecans too.
5. Miso Salmon
Mix white or yellow miso paste with oil and brush onto salmon before cooking for a savory umami flavor.
6. Salmon and Vegetables
Use a fish grill basket to cook salmon and vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers and zucchini at the same time.
With the proper technique and these handy tips, you can achieve grilled salmon perfection each time. Mastering how long to BBQ salmon ensures it turns out moist and full of flavor every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Salmon
How long should I grill salmon if I want it medium rare?
For a 1-inch thick salmon fillet, grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Check the internal temperature for 125°F.
Can I grill a whole salmon?
A 2-3 pound whole salmon will take about 30-40 minutes total to grill. Score the skin before cooking. Turn carefully halfway using two spatulas.
Should I flip salmon on the grill?
Yes, salmon should be flipped once halfway through the estimated cooking time to ensure even cooking. Let it sear well on each side.
Is skin-on or skinless better for grilling salmon?
Skin-on salmon holds up better on the grill. Grill skin-side down first to get it crispy. Skin also protects the flesh. Remove before eating if desired.
Should I marinate salmon before BBQing?
Marinating is not required but adds lots of flavor. Go for acidic marinades with lemon, vinegar or yogurt which “cook” the salmon. Avoid sugary marinades that can burn.
What is the best wood for smoking salmon on a grill?
Good wood chips for smoking salmon include alder, maple, apple, cherry, oak and mesquite. Soak before using for the best smoke flavor.
Conclusion
Grilling salmon to tender, flaky perfection is easy when you know how long to BBQ it. Keep these simple tips in mind: aim for 8-10 minutes per inch thickness, let it sear without moving it around, and use a thermometer to check doneness. In no time, you’ll be an expert at cooking moist, delicious salmon on the barbecue.