Tender Grilled Salmon
This simple grilled salmon (can also be foil-baked!) made with every day pantry ingredients is out of this world delicious! Tender and so flavorful!
Because making and serving salmon to my family is a bit of a rare occurrence around here (thanks to a larger family and a bursting at the seams grocery budget), I treat the whole process with great respect.
Meaning, I’m not going to waste my time experimenting on iffy new recipes when I already have a few tried-and-true favorites.
This tender grilled salmon is my go-to for salmon 99% of the time (with this maple pecan crusted salmon a pretty close second favorite). If you’ve made this grilled salmon, you probably understand why.
Everyday, simple ingredients prove they are so much more than a sum of their parts in this recipe resulting in the most tender, flavorful, delicious salmon ever.
While this salmon is amazing grilled, it is also fantastic wrapped in foil and baked in the oven (or tossed right on the grill in foil).
What you lose in golden crispy grill marks you probably make up for in concentrated flavor as the salmon bakes in the foil packet.
During the summer months, I usually cook the salmon right on the grate of my grill (this CampChef pellet grill). I’ve never had an issue with the somewhat fragile salmon sticking to the grill.
Here are my two tips: 1) preheat the grill for at least 15-20 minutes, and 2) oil the grates with a pastry brush dipped in canola or avocado oil right before adding the salmon.
But since salmon is often on the menu when we have company passing through town* in less pleasurable grilling months, I very often employ the foil packet method in the oven, and it is such an easy way to make perfect salmon.
*Don’t worry, if you are one of my family members or friends that gag at the thought of seafood or salmon (I know who you are), I promise to take seafood completely off the menu when you stay with us and choose some other deliciousness to serve you; we’ll save the salmon for those that love it as much as we do.
That last disclaimer has me super curious, actually. If you have a second, I’d really love to know:
Are you a salmon lover or a salmon hater?
Do tell. I’m fairly sure I’m mature enough to handle the response and continue our friendship despite your response.
I’ve had a lot of really great salmon in restaurants over the years (it’s one of my top choices if on the menu), but I can honestly say that this home cooked tender grilled salmon rivals them all.
So simple to prepare, you know it has to be good if it’s still a favorite after nearly a decade!
And served, as pictured, with homemade buttermilk biscuits and that ridiculously yummy summer roasted veggie orzo salad, it is one of the best meals ever.
What to Serve With This
Tender Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, preferably skinless
- Lemon pepper seasoning, to taste
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup oil, like vegetable, canola, or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Season salmon fillets on both sides with lemon pepper.
- In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water (or broth), oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until sugar is dissolved.
- Place the salmon in a large ziploc bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, coating the salmon evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Clean the grates well and lightly coat in oil. Grill the salmon (discarding excess marinade) for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque. Plan on about 10-14 minutes total cooking time for every inch of thickness (and add about 10 minutes for each additional inch). I find it’s easiest to flip on the grill using a large, flat, metal spatula vs tongs so the salmon doesn’t fall apart.
- Alternately, the salmon can be baked (or grilled in foil). After marinating, wrap each salmon fillet in a foil packet (I like to drizzle a tablespoon or so of marinade over the top before sealing the packet).
- Grill for about 15 minutes or bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes (again, exact time will depend on the thickness of the salmon).
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: slightly adapted from an old blog no longer online (whowantsdinner.blogspot.com); looks like it’s originally from AllRecipes
Recipe originally posted May 2008; updated with new photos, recipes updates and notes.
Hi Mel!
What kind of Salmon do you buy (wild/atlantic/Coho etc) and where do you buy it from. Also do you grill one big piece and slice after or do you cut up the portions before grilling? Thanks so much!!!
Hi Nadia – I have enjoyed all the types of salmon I have tried over the years – not sure I have a strong preference, although I’ve found the Atlantic salmon to sometimes be a bit fattier than other kinds. I usually buy it from Costco, but others have linked to places they’ve bought from also. I usually cut the large fillet of salmon into smaller fillets before I cook it.
Mel I love all of your recipes that I try. I am always disappointed when I see soy being used hate the stuff for health reasons and try to avoid it at all costs.
I do make your marinade for pork chops but substitute liquid coconut aminos it works great. I am surprised w how health conscious you are that these recipes keep popping up w soy.
Yes, liquid coconut aminos is a great sub for soy sauce! I used that when I was doing a round of Whole30 a while back. For the most part I try to avoid a lot of processed foods and have cut several specific ingredients out of our diets, but for me, soy isn’t a deal-breaker; however, I can totally understand why some people avoid it. Glad you’ve been able to find a good workaround!
Yum! This looks delicious 🙂 I love salmon but it’s a bit pricey for my normal grocery budget. I splurge on it when we have done good on the budget and I have some extra at the end of the month! This is our favorite recipe. It is YUM!
https://cafedelites.com/2016/06/26/honey-garlic-butter-salmon-foil/
That’s kind of like us – usually it’s a bit of a splurge. Thanks for sharing that recipe!
Definitely a lover! Thanks for another terrific recipe Mel, I think you are so cool!
Thanks, Debbie! 🙂
My favorite is pan poached with teriyaki, salt and honey (no measuring, just a dash and a splash). Deglazed with a little white wine or water if needed. My husband likes it over the best restaurant dish.
Yum! Sounds terrific.
LOOOOOVVVVVEEEE salmon! However, my tried and true salmon is made in the smoker (although this is tempting b/c it would be faster). Put a rub on (or not!) and 2 hours later you have melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness!
Smoked salmon is all sorts of delicious. I need to do that on my smoker pellet grill!
I remember my dad making amazing salmon on the grill my entire life growing up! One of my favorite summer memories!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
We love salmon in our house and have it about twice a month. My favorite way to prepare it is just salt, pepper, olive oil and grill it skin on. In the winter, I will bake it in the oven with the same prep, but I really like the sear of the grill. But what I love to do with it is make an garden mayonnaise (sounds weird, but it’s delicious and does NOT taste like mayo). I spoon some of this over the center of the fillet, then dollop some fresh basil pesto over that, and top with toasted pine nuts. It is amazing, looks gorgeous, and makes me feel like I am eating in a restaurant. Ina Garten also has an outstanding grilled salmon salad in her first Barefoot Contessa cookbook which is perfect for a special luncheon (splurge–2 pounds of salmon). She makes it with celery, red onion, capers, fresh dill, olive oil, and raspberry vinegar. It is my favorite way to enjoy it cold! Your simple recipe looks so wonderful. I will have to try it this summer.
I’m excited about the variations you suggested, Teresa! I need to learn more about that garden mayonnaise. Anything with pine nuts is a huge winner in my book.
The salmon I do not love is wild salmon. I know it’s the best kind to eat but I can’t stand the fishy, wild flavor.
I love Atlantic salmon and will make this recipe right away. I bake it in the oven and am so glad you shared this. Your recipes are always my favorites!
Thanks, Beth!
What is lemon pepper seasoning ?
It is a seasoning blend often used on seafood. Here’s a visual.
We save fish for special occasions too! It’s so funny you posted this because I had this recipe already planned for dinner on Thursday, since we are Catholic and Thursday is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (fishers of men!). I’ve made this many times and it is always amazing! My 4 year old daughter even requested it for her birthday dinner a few months ago!
Love the significance of your upcoming meal on Thursday!
Hi Mel, we have tried many salmon recipes but we always go back to this one as we love it the best! 1/3 cup apple juice, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions, and 2 cloves garlic minced. Marinate salmon fillets for 1 hour, then broil in pan together with marinade basting frequently until fish flakes easily with fork. Approx. 10 min.
I have also heard that you should never marinate fish longer than 1 hour and seafood longer than 30 minutes as the marinade can start to cook the fish and cause it to turn mushy. I was very surprised that you have up to 8 hours.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve never had a problem marinating the salmon up to 8 hours – I think the more acidity (like, lemon juice) there is in the marinade, the more it can “cook” while marinading, if that makes sense.
Yay! I love the original recipe! It’s my go to salmon recipe and has been for many years. Why mess around with perfection? I’m happy to try it with the fresh garlic, though, and glad to see a tinfoil variation for colder nights. We grill it on a soaked cedar plank on the BBQ and it is the best salmon I’ve ever eaten.
You asked what kind of salmon I like. I like salmon with warm honey and maple syrup on top. Delicious.
Yum!
We love salmon at our house too! My daughter fixes hers in a pan (skin on) seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika and a bit of cumin and whatever green herb she thinks sounds good that day. When I’m preparing a dish for our family of 6, we like it in the oven and I season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and a sprinkling of a blend of bread crumbs (or panko) herbs and Parmesan. I will sometimes do a quick broil to finish the topping off nice and crispy. If, on the the odd chance there are leftovers, I just mix in some mayo with the salmon and it makes a wonderful dip for crackers. Sometimes that’s their favorite version – they’ve been calling it “dip dip” since they toddlers 🙂
Thanks for your inspiration in all things cooking and baking!
Love all these ideas, Jessica – especially the leftover dip dip. 🙂 Such a great idea!
This looks so yummy! The side with this, is that a salad I can find in your index? Thanks!
Here you go: https://www.melskitchencafe.com/summer-orzo-veggie-and-basil-salad-with-lemon-vinaigrette/
I love salmon and eat it once or twice a week – single person household. I AM a salmon snob though on several points 🙂
I buy from http://www.VitalChoice.com. They sustainably harvest and seafood is processed and flash frozen on the boat and then not thawed until I thaw it. It is not inexpensive but I’ve bought for years and buy when they have their 20-25% discounts. Their canned salmon is wonderful as well and I stock it for a quick meal.
Cooking methods. I only cook mine one way and I prefer skin on fillets: Preheat oven (or grill) to 475 with cast iron in/on. Prep salmon with olive oil, lemon, spice (heavy on the spice mix to get a nice crust. Sear salmon on both sides (2-3 minutes) and then into oven or covered on grill (NOT wrapped, though!!) for 5-7 min. It will have a nice crust and a moist, tender and flaky interior and no album. I often warm some balsamic with a bit of fruit and drizzle that over.
Leftovers – I usually make 2 filets so I have leftover for a breakfast scramble, salmon taco or crusty bread with goat cheese, salmon, capers, red onion. Also can be tossed in a salad or with pasta (pesto, simple olive oil and parsley, etc.)
Sounds amazing, Liz! And thanks for the link to where you buy your salmon, as well!
la de da
I love Salmon, it is so tasty, thanks
Mel, I am new to your sight and I’m loving it. I was in a cooking funk and needed a little motivation. This recipe was AWESOME!! My husband grilled the salmon and I made the suggested summer couscous salad and we were blown away at how delicious it was.
I made this tonight and it was delish. My 8 year old son asked for thirds and usually he doesn’t like fish when I serve it! It was pouring rain so I broiled it like some others commented but I will definitely try on the barbecue too. Thanks for another yummy recipe!
I made this as part of my “eat more fish” resolution and we all loved it. My picky child was begging for more but there was not any. The next time, I think I will add a few tablespoons of frozen orange concentrate to the mix. YUM!
Delicious and so easy to prepare! I made with your recently posted spinach salad with apple, feta (used goat cheese with honey), bacon, and spicy nuts. We loved this nutrient power packed meal. I loved the ease of preparing it. Thank you so much, my talented friend, for sharing with us.
This was awesome! I didn’t grill the salmon, but I broiled it. This was awesome! This recipe is on my ‘repeat’ list.
Grilled the salmon using a cedar plank and it was soooo wonderful! It was so easy as well. I wonder if my family will get sick of it if I make it every night this week 🙂 Thanks for posting this recipe.
Hi Mel – Had this salmon last night and it was sooo delicious. My teenager also made your Tex Mex Enchilda casserole as a project for his Spanish class. This was a hit! Will definately make both recipes again! Thanks!
We loved this! I have a hard time cooking salmon and enjoying what I cooked but this was so simple and so good! We grilled ours and followed the recipe exactly. So moist with a perfect flavor. My husband says we have to have this again. Thanks!
Any ideas of what to do with the leftovers? I like to reuse the main dish in a different way but I hardly ever make fish so I need some help.
Btw this was very very yummy. Well definitely make it again.
We had this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Even my 2 and 4 year old were eating this up. Thanks for sharing!
Love your website!
Trina 🙂
Hey Mel! Do you have a recipe for grilled salmon that has a real lemon flavor? I can not find one. like really lemony!
PLEASE DON’T EAT FARMED SALMON IT IS BAD FOR YOU AND VERY BAD FOR THE HELTH AND VIABILITY OF WILD SALMON..HERE IS WHY…PLEASE TAKE A LOOK!!! Sorry for shouting but it is important..
WSM.http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/
This is a wonderful recipe! I came to your blog to find an alternative to our usual (yummy) salmon recipe. To my surprise I found this and it’s my recipe! I got it in our AK electric bill flier.
I made this recipe last night and it was SO good! I’ve made salmon in the past and it was good, but I never found a recipe that I actually LOVED- I was really impressed with this recipe and it was so simple to make, who would think it could taste so wonderful? Because I made it after I was home from work I was only able to let it marinate for 45 minutes, but it still was really tasty, I can only imagine if it was marinated longer- I served mine with jasmine rice and spaghetti squash! This recipe is a defenite keeper!
I’m looking forward to making this! What do you serve with it? 🙂
Mel, you are my favorite person lately! On Sunday, my MIL announced she’d be making salmon again…It hasn’t turned out the last 3 times, and it’s been almost gross. My hubby and I hurried to your website to see how you’ve made it in the past, and we nicely suggested this recipe. Oh, it was so good!!! You saved dinner! This time everyone actually ate it and there were no leftovers! She actually just cooked it in the oven since it’s below 0 outside and no one volunteered to go out and grill, but it was delicious! Thanks for another great one!
I made this tonight and everyone loved it. I even ate it (I’m not a fish lover). My kids were saying their “eww”‘s and “yucks”, but in the end they loved it. My husband even thought it was great. I marinated it 3 1/2 hrs and I would cut the time back some next time. Did I mention it was their first experience with fish? Thanks for the recipe!
Jillian – wow, I’m happy the first experience with fish was so good, despite the initial reactions (which I get ALL the time at my house, by the way). Thanks for letting me know!
I picked up some fresh salmon and wasn’t sure what to do with it, we tried this tonight and we were both in LOVE! Even my kids liked it, which is a big thing! This is on our must make again list for sure.
Thanks!
Kara – just your comment makes me want to make this soon! I’m glad this was such a hit (especially with your kids).
Kara – oh, that is nice when everyone agrees dinner was a hit. I’m impressed your kids liked the salmon. Way to go!
My kids, husband, and I really enjoyed the salmon. It is always nice that everyone LOVES a certain dish! Thanks!
Kara
I’m so glad you tried it! It was one that sounded good, but we hadn’t tried it yet. So I will definitely add this to our menu for the next week.
Sounds delicious Melanie! Grilling is one of my favorite things to do, especially when the weather gets nice…not like today. But soon. Great recipe!
Oooh, I’ll be saving this – I have some salmon in the freezer right now!
Woodbury Family – thanks for commenting and letting me know you liked this! Just seeing your comment makes me want to make it again – it has been a while!
That grilled salmon looks good!
KA – Oh, I am SO glad you made it and liked it. I don’t think anyone would ever comment and tell me they thought something was terrible (I wish they would it if really happened)…but it’s still good to hear you made something and it turned out great!
I made this salmon for dinner today and loved it. I cooked it under the broiler for 5 minutes on each side because I’m too much of a baby to go outside and grill in the cold. This recipe’s a keeper! Very yummy.
I made this last night…delicious!!!
This must be a popular one, I too posted it in your comments and then after reading through them all, noticed 2 other people posted the same recipe! Funny! It’s a keeper for sure!
if it’s recommended by three food bloggers, it must be good! and if the list of ingredients is any indication, i’m sure it was sweet and satisfying!
Jodee, great observation! I have looked at all the recipes submitted but obviously not close enough to realize several submitted the same salmon recipe. You are right, it must be a keeper! Thanks for giving me a heads up and thank to everyone else who submitted it as well.
I loved this one, too!! Rick and I made the salmon this past weekend for our “Anniversary Dinner”. We both loved it! It had AMAZING taste and tenderness AND no fishy taste to it! We’ll definitely be making it again sometime soon.Thanks, Nicole, for listing it in the grilling recipes!