Grilled salmon is a delightful and healthy dish that brings out the natural flavors of the fish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The combination of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and a touch of lemon juice enhances the taste of the salmon without overpowering it.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your kitchen. However, if you don't usually cook fish, you might need to visit the supermarket to get fresh salmon fillets. Make sure to choose high-quality, fresh salmon for the best results. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended over bottled juice for a more vibrant flavor.

Ingredients For Grilled Salmon Recipe
Salmon: Fresh fillets are best for this recipe, providing a rich and tender flavor.
Olive oil: Used to brush the salmon and keep it moist while grilling.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds a bright, tangy finish to the grilled salmon.
Technique Tip for Grilling Salmon
When grilling salmon, ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Use a fish spatula for flipping, as its thin edge can easily slide under the delicate fillets. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a marinade of herbs and garlic to the olive oil before brushing it on the salmon.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a great alternative for grilling.
salmon - Substitute with arctic char: Arctic char is another fish with a similar taste and texture to salmon, and it grills well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good substitute for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, suitable for grilling fish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the fish, enhancing its taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile compared to regular table salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice to the dish, offering a different flavor profile.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, similar to lemon juice.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store/Freeze Your Grilled Salmon
- Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
- Place the cooled salmon fillets in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Store the salmon in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
- To freeze, wrap each salmon fillet individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the freezer bag with the date to keep track of how long the salmon has been stored. Frozen salmon can be kept for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
- When ready to use, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This low and slow method helps retain moisture and prevents the fish from drying out.
- For a quicker option, you can also reheat the salmon in the microwave. Place the fillet on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Enhance the reheated salmon with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to revive its flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the fillets loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F.
For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the salmon in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
For a gentle reheat, use a steamer basket. Place the salmon in the basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 350°F. Place the salmon fillets in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method will help maintain a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for Grilling Salmon
Grill: Used to cook the salmon fillets to perfection, providing that delicious smoky flavor.
Grill brush: Essential for cleaning the grill grates before cooking to ensure the salmon doesn't stick.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the salmon fillets without breaking them apart.
Basting brush: Used to brush the salmon fillets with olive oil for even seasoning.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Lemon squeezer: Helps in extracting freshly squeezed lemon juice to drizzle over the salmon.
Fish spatula: Ideal for handling the delicate salmon fillets, especially when flipping them on the grill.
Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the grilled salmon fillets once they are cooked and ready to serve.
How to Save Time on Making Grilled Salmon
Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill while you prepare the salmon fillets to save time.
Use a timer: Set a timer for each side of the salmon to ensure even cooking without constant checking.
Prep in advance: Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper ahead of time.
Lemon juice ready: Squeeze the lemon juice before grilling so you can quickly drizzle it over the salmon when done.
Clean the grill: Clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.

Grilled Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the grill and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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