Grilling salmon is a healthy, easy, and delicious way to cook this fish. But how long to grill salmon for it to be cooked perfectly? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about grilling salmon so that it comes out perfect every time.
Table of Contents
- 1 How to Buy and Prep Salmon?
- 2 How Long to Grill Salmon
- 3 Prep the Grill for Salmon
- 4 How To Marinate Salmon
- 5 How to Grill Salmon With the Skin On
- 6 How Can I Tell When My Grilled Salmon Is Done Cooking
- 7 The internal temperature of salmon when done – USDA and FDA guidelines
- 8 How Do You Keep Salmon From Sticking To The Grill
- 9 What are some tips for grilling salmon?
- 10 Conclusion: How long to grill salmon?
- 11 FAQ: To grill salmon
- 11.1 How hot to grill salmon?
- 11.2 How to grill salmon steaks?
- 11.3 Is it OK to eat undercooked salmon?
- 11.4 How do you not overcook salmon?
- 11.5 How do you grill salmon without drying it out?
- 11.6 What is the best method to grill salmon?
- 11.7 Do you flip salmon on the grill?
- 11.8 How long do you grill salmon on each side?
- 11.9 How long does it take to grill salmon and at what temperature?
- 11.10 How long do you cook salmon fillets on a barbecue grill?
- 11.11 What is the best way to BBQ salmon?
How to Buy and Prep Salmon?
The first step to grilling salmon is to buy the right fish. You want to look for wild-caught salmon that is fresh and has bright red or pink flesh. Avoid salmon that has been farm-raised, as this fish is often lower in quality.
When you get your salmon home, make sure rinse it off with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, you’ll want to remove the skin. This step is optional, but many people prefer to grill salmon without the skin on.
To remove the skin, simply place your salmon fillet on a cutting board skin-side down. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice through the flesh down to the skin. Then, grip the skin with your fingers and gently pull it off. Once your salmon is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start grilling!

How Long to Grill Salmon
The cook time for salmon will vary depending on the thickness of your fillet. For thin fillets (1-inch thick or less), you’ll want to grill for 2-3 minutes per side. For thicker fillets (1-2 inches thick), grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
If you’re unsure of how long to grill your salmon, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the fish to absorb all of the flavors and juices. Serve immediately.
Prep the Grill for Salmon
Now that you know how to buy and prep salmon for grilling, it’s time to get your grill ready. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is between 375 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the grill is heating up, it’s a good idea to clean the grates. This will help to prevent the salmon from sticking and make for an easier cleanup. To clean the grates, simply use a wire brush to scrub them down.
Once the grill is preheated and the grates are clean, you’re ready to start cooking!
Place the Salmon on the Grill
Now it’s time to place your salmon on the grill. Start by lightly oiling the grates with vegetable oil or olive oil. This will help to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Next, place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side up if you’ve left the skin on. Close the lid of the grill and let the salmon cook for 2-3 minutes (or 4-6 minutes for thicker fillets).
Flip the Salmon and Add Flavor
After a few minutes, it’s time to flip the salmon. Use a spatula to carefully flip each fillet over. Then, close the lid of the grill and let the salmon cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (or 4-6 minutes for thicker fillets).
Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the fish to absorb all of the flavors and juices. Serve immediately.

How To Marinate Salmon
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your grilled salmon, marinating the fish before cooking is a great option. Marinating salmon is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
To make a basic salmon marinade, simply combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl or a resealable bag. Add the salmon to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
Once the salmon has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, proceed with cooking the salmon as directed above.
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How to Grill Salmon With the Skin On
If you prefer to grill salmon with the skin on, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, it’s important to start with a clean grill. This will help to prevent the skin from sticking and make for an easier cleanup.
Next, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Once the grill is preheated, place the salmon fillets on the grates, skin-side down. Close the lid of the grill and let the salmon cook for 2-3 minutes (or 4-6 minutes for thicker fillets).
After a few minutes, carefully flip the salmon over and close the lid of the grill. Let the salmon cook for an additional 2-3 minutes (or 4-6 minutes for thicker fillets).
Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the fish to absorb all of the flavors and juices. Serve immediately.
How Can I Tell When My Grilled Salmon Is Done Cooking
Grilled salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the fish for doneness, insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet.
If you don’t have a digital thermometer, there are a few other ways to tell if your salmon is cooked through. First, you can check for doneness by looking at the color of the fish. Salmon is done cooking when it turns from translucent pink to opaque white.
Another way to tell if salmon is cooked through is by gently pressing on the fillet with a fork. If the fish flakes easily, it’s done cooking.
Finally, grilled salmon should be slightly firm to the touch. If the fillet is still soft or mushy, it needs to cook for a few minutes longer.

The internal temperature of salmon when done – USDA and FDA guidelines
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), salmon is cooked through and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees as well.
However, many people prefer to eat salmon that is medium-rare or rare. If you like your how long to grill salmon this way, it’s important to be aware of the risks.
Eating undercooked salmon can increase your risk of food poisoning. This is because raw or undercooked fish can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illness.
If you choose to eat salmon that is rare or medium-rare, it’s important to source the fish from a reputable market or restaurant. The salmon should be fresh and of high quality, and it’s best to avoid eating raw salmon that has been frozen.
It’s also important to cook the salmon properly. When grilling salmon, make sure to preheat the grill to a high heat and cook the fish for the proper amount of time.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. This will help to ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat.
How Do You Keep Salmon From Sticking To The Grill
There are a few things you can do to prevent salmon from sticking to the grill. First, make sure to oil the grates of the grill before cooking. This will create a barrier between the fish and the grates, making it less likely for the salmon to stick.
You can also brush the salmon with oil before cooking. This will help to keep the fish from sticking and also add some extra flavor.
Finally, make sure to cook the salmon over high heat. This will help to sear the outside of the fish and prevent it from sticking.
What are some tips for grilling salmon?
Here are a few tips to help you grill salmon:
– Oil the grates of the grill before cooking to prevent the salmon from sticking.
– Brush the salmon with oil before cooking to add flavor and prevent it from drying out.
– Cook the salmon over high heat to sear the outside and prevent it from drying out.
– Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. You’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
– If you’re worried about the salmon sticking, you can grill it in foil. Simply place the salmon on a sheet of foil and brush it with oil. Then, fold up the foil around the salmon and place it on the grill.
– Salmon is a healthy option when grilled. It’s a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. Additionally, grilling salmon helps to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Conclusion: How long to grill salmon?
Grilled salmon is a delicious and healthy option for a summer meal. To ensure that your salmon is cooked through, use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. The salmon is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you like your salmon rare or medium-rare, make sure to source the fish from a reputable market or restaurant. The salmon should be fresh and of high quality, and it’s best to avoid eating raw salmon that has been frozen. When grilling salmon, make sure to preheat the grill to a high heat and cook the fish for the proper amount of time. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish to ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat. Written by Dhtavern
FAQ: To grill salmon
How hot to grill salmon?
The ideal temperature for grilling salmon is medium-high, so preheat your grill to this setting before placing the salmon steaks on it. Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
How to grill salmon steaks?
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the salmon steaks on the grill, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
Is it OK to eat undercooked salmon?
Eating undercooked salmon can increase your risk of food poisoning. This is because raw or undercooked fish can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illness. If you choose to eat salmon that is rare or medium-rare, it’s important to source the fish from a reputable market or restaurant. The salmon should be fresh and of high quality, and it’s best to avoid eating raw salmon that has been frozen. Finally, it’s always a good idea to use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. This will help to ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat.
How do you not overcook salmon?
The best way to avoid overcooking salmon is to use a digital thermometer. Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check for doneness by looking at the color of the fish. Salmon is done cooking when it turns from translucent pink to opaque white. Another way to tell if salmon is cooked through is by gently pressing on the fillet with a fork.
How do you grill salmon without drying it out?
There are a few things you can do to prevent salmon from drying out on the grill. First, make sure to oil the grates of the grill before cooking. This will create a barrier between the fish and the grates, making it less likely for the salmon to stick. You can also brush the salmon with oil before cooking. This will help to keep the fish from sticking and also add some extra flavor. Finally, make sure to cook the salmon over high heat. This will help to sear the outside of the fish and prevent it from drying out.
What is the best method to grill salmon?
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your salmon turns out delicious when grilled. First, make sure to oil the grates of the grill before cooking. This will create a barrier between the fish and the grates, making it less likely for the salmon to stick. You can also brush the salmon with oil before cooking.
Do you flip salmon on the grill?
It’s not necessary to flip salmon on the grill. You can cook the salmon skin-side down for the entire cooking time. This will help to keep the fish from sticking and also prevent it from drying out. If you’re worried about the salmon sticking, you can brush it with oil before cooking. This will create a barrier between the fish and the grill.
How long do you grill salmon on each side?
If you’re cooking salmon fillets, they should be grilled for about 2-3 minutes per side. If you’re cooking salmon steaks, they should be grilled for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. You’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to grill salmon and at what temperature?
It usually takes about 2-3 minutes to grill salmon fillets and 4-5 minutes to grill salmon steaks. The temperature of the grill should be set to high heat in order to sear the outside of the fish and prevent it from drying out. You’ll know the salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
How long do you cook salmon fillets on a barbecue grill?
For fillets, cook for about 2-3 minutes per side over high heat. For salmon steaks, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side over high heat. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. You’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to BBQ salmon?
The best way to BBQ salmon is to cook it over high heat. This will help to sear the outside of the fish and prevent it from drying out. grilled salmon fillets should be cooked for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Salmon steaks should be grilled for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. You’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.