Smoky BBQ Grilled Salmon Recipe: A Summertime Delight

Mastering a delectable BBQ grilled salmon takes skill and passion for perfect seafood preparation.

Coastal regions have long celebrated this protein-packed dish with regional marinades and techniques.

salmon rich, buttery texture becomes magical when kissed by smoky grill flames.

Mediterranean and Pacific Northwest chefs know the secret to unlocking incredible flavor profiles.

Wild-caught varieties offer superior taste and nutritional benefits compared to farm-raised options.

Selecting fresh, high-quality fish makes a significant difference in your culinary adventure.

You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal that impresses everyone around the table.

BBQ Grilled Salmon Backyard Feast

• The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and zesty lemon creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the salmon with irresistible taste and juiciness.
• This dish works wonderfully for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, or even elegant weekend gatherings, appealing to both seafood lovers and grill enthusiasts.
• Salmon offers a nutritious protein source packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a smart choice for health-conscious individuals wanting a delectable meal.

BBQ Grilled Salmon Ingredient Highlights

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that provides a rich, buttery flavor and excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• BBQ Sauce: A tangy and sweet condiment that adds depth and caramelization to the salmon.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that tenderizes the fish and enhances its natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and prevents the salmon from sticking to the grill.

• Grill Grates: Clean surface for even cooking and perfect grill marks on the salmon.

BBQ Grilled Salmon Cooking Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375F/190C.

Grab a grill brush and thoroughly clean those grates to prevent sticking and ensure killer grill marks.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Marinade

• BBQ sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil

Blend these ingredients in a mixing bowl until they form a harmonious sauce that will make your salmon sing with flavor.

Step 3: Marinate The Salmon

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and generously pour the marinade over them.

Let the fish soak up all those delicious flavors for at least 15 minutes.

The longer it marinates, the more intense the taste will be.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Position salmon skin-side down on the hot grill.

Cook for 6-8 minutes without flipping.

This technique ensures a crispy skin and prevents the delicate fish from falling apart.

Step 5: Glaze And Finish

During the final minute of grilling, brush an extra layer of BBQ sauce on top.

This adds a caramelized, glossy finish that’ll make your salmon irresistible.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the perfectly grilled salmon to a serving plate.

Pair with your favorite sides and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering dish.

Expert Tips for Succulent BBQ Grilled Salmon

• Let salmon soak in the tangy BBQ mixture for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor depth and tenderness.
• Brush grill grates with oil or use a clean, well-oiled fish spatula to ensure smooth salmon removal without breaking.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches 145F internal temperature for perfect, safe doneness without overcooking.
• Keeping skin down during grilling helps protect delicate fish meat and creates a crispy, protective layer with better texture.
• Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley right before serving to add brightness and aromatic complexity to the dish.

Storing and Reheating BBQ Grilled Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F.
• Heat salmon in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Add a splash of water to keep fish moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Perfect Sides with BBQ Grilled Salmon

• Complement BBQ Grilled Salmon with Perfectly Paired Flavors
• Zesty White Wine Splash: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the salmon's rich BBQ flavors, enhancing the grilled fish's smoky sweetness with its bright, acidic profile.
• Summer Corn Salad Companion: Prepare a fresh corn salad with red onions, cilantro, and lime juice to provide a cool, crunchy contrast against the warm, caramelized salmon, balancing the dish's intense BBQ notes.
• Creamy Cucumber Slaw Sidekick: Whip up a tangy cucumber slaw with Greek yogurt, dill, and a touch of honey to create a refreshing, creamy side that neutralizes the salmon's robust BBQ marinade and adds textural excitement.
• Cool Citrus Quinoa Base: Craft a light quinoa salad with orange segments, mint, and a citrus vinaigrette to serve underneath the salmon, introducing a bright, clean foundation that complements the grilled fish's smoky character.

BBQ Grilled Salmon Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip any butter or cream-based sides and opt for olive oil-based accompaniments like herb-roasted vegetables.
• Low-Sodium Modification: Use a reduced-sodium BBQ sauce or create a homemade sauce with fresh herbs, vinegar, and minimal salt for a healthier version.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the fish should easily flake with a fork. The flesh will turn from translucent to opaque pink and become firm when it’s done.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator first. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before marinating to ensure better sauce absorption and grilling results.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Choose a sauce with a balanced flavor – not too sweet or too tangy. Classic Kansas City-style or honey BBQ sauces work wonderfully with salmon, providing a nice caramelization and complementary taste.

• Is it necessary to remove the salmon skin before grilling?

No, grilling salmon with the skin on helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from falling apart. The skin also protects the delicate flesh from direct heat and adds a crispy texture when grilled properly.

BBQ Grilled Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ grilled salmon brings Pacific Northwest coastal flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Succulent fish meets smoky char, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare outdoor grill at medium-high temperature around 375F/190C, ensuring grates are thoroughly cleaned and lightly oiled to prevent fish from sticking.
2. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together tangy BBQ sauce, fresh lemon juice, and smooth olive oil in a mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Arrange salmon fillets in a shallow container, then generously coat each piece with the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
4. Position salmon skin-side down on preheated grill grates, maintaining consistent heat and avoiding direct flame contact to prevent burning.
5. Grill fish without flipping for approximately 6-8 minutes, monitoring internal temperature and checking for opaque, flaky texture indicating complete cooking.
6. During final minute of grilling, delicately brush additional BBQ sauce across salmon surface to enhance caramelization and intensify flavor profile.
7. Remove salmon from grill, letting it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture retention.
8. Transfer to serving platter and accompany with complementary side dishes that harmonize with the smoky, sweet grilled salmon.

Notes

• Select fatty salmon cuts like king or sockeye for maximum flavor and moisture retention during grilling.
• Pat salmon dry before marinating to help sauce adhere better and create delicious caramelized exterior.
• Avoid over-marinating fish to prevent breaking down protein structure and turning mushy.
• Use a fish spatula or well-oiled grates to prevent salmon from sticking and falling apart during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg