what temperature do you cook salmon on the grill

How to Cook Salmon Perfectly on the Grill: Temperature and Tips

Cooking salmon on the grill can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few key tips. The most important factor for grilled salmon is maintaining the right temperature. Here’s everything you need to know about what temperature to cook salmon on the grill, plus helpful tips for grilling salmon to tender, flaky perfection.

What Temperature Should You Cook Salmon on the Grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking salmon on a grill is between 400-450°F direct heat. This high heat helps sear the outside while cooking the inside properly.

You’ll want to cook wild salmon fillets over direct heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. For thicker cuts or farmed salmon cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the salmon and ensuring it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.

Salmon should register 140°F on a meat thermometer when removed from the grill and allowed to rest for 5 minutes during which time the internal temperature will rise by about 5 degrees to reach 145°F. This is the safe minimum temperature for salmon.

If the grill temperature falls below 400°F, the salmon risks overcooking and drying out on the outside before the inside is cooked through. So maintaining a hot grill is key.

Tips for Grilling Salmon Perfectly

Follow these tips in addition to monitoring your grill’s temperature for foolproof grilled salmon every time:

1. Pat salmon dry before grilling. Drying the fish helps prevent sticking and achieves a nice sear.

2. Brush the grill grates with oil before adding the salmon. This prevents sticking.

3. Grill salmon skin-side up first. The skin helps hold the fish together on the grill before flipping.

4. Allow 3-4 minutes uninterrupted cooking before checking. Resist the urge to move or flip too soon.

5. Flip gently using a thin spatula. The fish should release cleanly when ready to flip.

6. Arrange fillets diagonally for easiest handling. This prevents smaller pieces from falling through grates.

7. Sprinkle lemon juice and seasonings over salmon just before removing from grill. This adds a final punch of flavor.

8. Let salmon rest 5 minutes before serving. The residual heat finishes cooking the fish.

Marinade and Seasoning Ideas for Grilled Salmon

Salmon takes well to marinades and spice rubs which add lots of flavor. Try soaking fish for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before grilling. Marinades with acid, oil, and seasonings work best. Here are some easy ideas:

• Soy sauce, brown sugar, chili oil, and ginger

• Pesto with garlic, basil, and Parmesan

• Ponzu sauce and sesame oil with sliced green onions

• Lemon, garlic, olive oil, and parsley

• Orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, and red pepper flakes

• Teriyaki and rice vinegar with minced garlic

• Honey mustard, Dijon, and lemon juice

For seasoning, avoid overly sugary rubs which can burn. Savory spice blends work best on salmon:

• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper

• Chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt

• Old Bay, lemon pepper, dried dill

• Fennel seeds, dried oregano, salt, pepper

• Cajun seasoning with onion/garlic powder and cayenne

Grilled Salmon Recipes and Meal Ideas

Grilled salmon is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with many flavors and ingredients. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Salmon tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado crema

• Cedar plank salmon with grilled asparagus

• Salmon kebabs with squash and bell pepper

• Blackened salmon with pineapple salsa

• Miso-glazed salmon with stir fry veggies

• Salmon burgers with arugula and lemon aioli

• Salmon salad with quinoa, kale, and lemon vinaigrette

• Salmon bowl with wild rice pilaf and Brussels sprouts

Essential Tools for Grilling Salmon

Having the right tools makes grilling salmon much easier:

• Instant-read thermometer to check doneness

• Fish spatula for easy flipping without breakage

• Basting brush for oil and sauces

• Small skewers for kebabs

• Grilling basket to contain smaller pieces

• Cedar planks for infusing smoky flavor

• Sharp knife for easily slicing into fish

• Tongs for handling fillets

• Aluminum foil for grilling packets

Grilled Salmon Safety Tips

Properly grilling and handling salmon reduces any risks:

• Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge 1-2 days before grilling

• Wash hands, prep tools, and grilling surface before and after use

• Use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked salmon

• Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

• Discard fish that smells unpleasant or looks spoiled/slimy

Mastering the Grill

Grilling salmon to tender, flaky perfection is easy when you monitor the temperature and follow basic tips. For foolproof salmon, aim for a super hot grill at 400-450°F. Cook wild salmon 3-4 minutes per side and farmed salmon 5-6 minutes per side. Let salmon rest before serving, and add bold seasonings and marinades to amp up the flavor. In no time, you’ll be a salmon grilling pro.

For grilled salmon, a safe and well-done internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). However, many cooks prefer to pull the salmon off the grill earlier, at 120-130°F (49-54°C), for a more tender and flavorful result.

No, it is not generally safe to eat salmon under 145°F (63°C).