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Foolproof Grilled Salmon (Moist + Flaky!)

This Foolproof Grilled Salmon recipe delivers moist, flaky, and flavorful fish with minimal effort, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Grilled
Calories: 425
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon Fillets
  • 4 pieces salmon fillets (5 to 6 oz each, skin on or off) Opt for wild-caught for optimal flavor and sustainability.
Seasoning Ingredients
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt Sea salt can work too, but kosher tends to dissolve better.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper Freshly cracked is best for more potent flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted for bolder flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Gives a subtle smokiness—perfect for grilled dishes.
Herb Drizzle
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill and/or parsley Can swap in favorite herbs like cilantro or basil.
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt For herb drizzle.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F) and scrub the grates clean.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush each fillet with olive oil on all sides.
  3. In a bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over each fillet.
Grilling
  1. For skin-on fillets: Place skin-side down on the grill and grill for 6-8 minutes without moving.
  2. For skinless fillets: Place on the grill and grill the same amount of time, flipping halfway.
Herb Drizzle
  1. While the salmon is grilling, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped herbs, and kosher salt in a bowl. Whisk together.
Finishing
  1. Check for doneness at an internal temperature of 145°F and ensure salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  2. Remove from grill, drizzle with herb mix, and serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid pressing down on the salmon while grilling to retain its juices. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.