Cooking salmon on the barbecue can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be serving up perfectly grilled salmon in no time. Here’s everything you need to know about how long to cook salmon on the BBQ.
Introduction
Salmon is one of the most popular fish to cook on the grill. Its firm, fatty flesh stands up well to the intense heat of the barbecue. The key is cooking the salmon just right – not over or underdone. Getting the timing right depends on the thickness of the fillet, the heat of the grill, and whether the salmon is bone-in or boneless. Follow this guide for foolproof grilled salmon every time.
How Thick is the Salmon Fillet?
The thickness of the salmon fillet is the biggest factor in determining grill time. Thinner fillets will cook faster while thicker cuts will need more time on the heat.
- 1/2 inch thick – 3 to 5 minutes per side
- 3/4 to 1 inch thick – 6 to 8 minutes per side
- 1 1/2 inches or more – 8 to 12 minutes per side
For even cooking, choose fillets that are similarly sized. Avoid mixing very thin and thick pieces on the grill at the same time.
Is it Bone-In or Boneless?
Salmon fillets with the bone still attached take longer to cook. The bones insulate the meat near them, slowing down the cooking time.
- Boneless – Cook for shorter time, turning once
- Bone-in – Cook longer, carefully turning twice
How Hot is the Grill?
The temperature of the grill affects cooking times. Hotter grills sear the salmon faster while lower heat requires longer grill times.
- Hot grill (450-550°F) – Shorter cook time
- Medium heat (350-450°F) – Medium cook time
- Lower heat (under 350°F) – Longer cook time
Use a grill thermometer to check your barbecue’s temperature. Or test the heat by holding your hand 5 inches over the grill for 5 seconds.
- High heat – You can keep your hand there 2 seconds or less
- Medium heat – Your hand gets hot after 3 to 4 seconds
- Low heat – You can hold your hand over it for a full 5 seconds
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect salmon every time you barbecue.
1. Pat Salmon Dry
Salmon skin can cause flare-ups on the grill. Remove skin and pat fillets dry with paper towels. This helps prevent sticking.
2. Brush With Oil
Lightly coat both sides of the fillets with cooking oil. Try olive, avocado, grapeseed or other heat-stable oils. Rub it in evenly over the meat.
3. Season the Salmon
Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and any other seasoning you desire. Let it sit 5-10 minutes so flavors absorb.
4. Preheat Grill Properly
Heat your gas or charcoal grill 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. Clean the grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Place Salmon on the Grill
Put the fillets skin-side up first if bone-in. Cook over direct medium heat, with the grill lid closed as much as possible.
6. Flip and Cook Second Side
Carefully flip the salmon once during cooking. Use two spatulas to support the delicate fillets.
7. Check Doneness
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The center should be still slightly translucent.
8. Let It Rest
When cooked, transfer salmon to a platter and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The fillets will continue cooking a bit more off the grill.
How Long Does Salmon Last on the Grill?
Salmon fillets 1/2 to 1 inch thick typically take 6 to 8 minutes total cooking time on a medium heat grill. Here are more estimates for common thicknesses:
- 1/2 inch – 3 to 4 minutes per side
- 3/4 inch – 4 to 5 minutes per side
- 1 inch – 5 to 7 minutes per side
- 1 1/2 inches – 8 to 10 minutes per side
- 2 inches – 10 to 12 minutes per side
The best way to tell when salmon is cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. Cook until the thickest part of the fillet reaches 145°F. Let rest off heat until it reaches 150°F.
Also check for visual cues – opaque, flaky meat and just slightly translucent centers when done. If overcooked, the salmon will be dry.
Tips for Grilling Salmon Perfectly
Follow these tips for grilled salmon with a tender, moist interior every time.
- Let the grill heat up fully before adding fish.
- Oil the grill grates right before putting salmon on.
- Resist the urge to move the fillets too much.
- Close the grill lid for faster, more even cooking.
- Cook over direct medium heat, no hotter than 450°F.
- Pull salmon off the grill when slightly underdone. It will continue cooking.
- Let rest 5 minutes tented in foil before serving.
Common Questions About Grilling Salmon
Still have questions about how long to barbecue salmon? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Should the grill be oiled or dry?
Oiled grates help prevent sticking. Lightly brush the hot grill with oil just before adding salmon.
Skin on or off?
Remove skin before grilling salmon. The skin often sticks and can cause flare-ups.
How do I prevent sticking?
Oil the grill and pat salmon fillets dry before cooking. Don’t move them around too much during grilling.
Should I flip the salmon only once?
Yes, flipping once is best. Turn gently with two spatulas. Avoid moving salmon repeatedly.
When do I add seasoning or sauce?
Season before grilling. Sauces can burn so apply during the last 1-2 minutes only.
Conclusion
Grilling salmon fillets of varying thickness is easy when you know how long to cook each size. Allow 3-5 minutes per side for thin fillets and 8-12 minutes per side for thick cuts. Check for doneness at minimum times. Use an instant read thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked salmon.
Preheat and oil the grill, pat fish dry, and season before cooking. Flip once gently during grilling. Limit grill time to prevent overcooking the tender salmon. Rest for 5 minutes before serving your delicious barbecue salmon.