Grilling whole salmon may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy and results in incredibly moist flavorful fish. Salmon is one of the most popular types of seafood and cooking it whole allows you to feed a crowd or have delicious leftovers. With a few simple tips and techniques, you’ll be grilling whole salmon like a pro in no time!
Why Grill a Whole Salmon?
There are several advantages to grilling a whole salmon rather than just fillets
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It’s more affordable – Buying a whole salmon rather than individual fillets means you get more for your money,
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Flavor infusion – Aromatic foods like garlic, herbs and lemon can be stuffed inside the cavity to add lots of extra flavor.
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Moistness – The bones help keep the salmon moist and prevent overcooking. Once cooked, the bones lift off easily.
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Grill marks – You get beautiful charring and smoky grill marks from the barbecue.
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Feeds a crowd – A whole salmon can easily feed 8-10 people or provide ample leftovers.
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Versatile leftovers – Use extra grilled salmon for salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more!
So don’t be intimidated. With the right techniques, grilling a whole salmon is easy and rewarding!
Picking the Right Salmon
When selecting a whole salmon to grill, keep these tips in mind:
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Size: Aim for a 3-5 lb salmon to feed 4-6 people. Adjust up or down depending on your crowd.
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Color: Opt for bright orange/pink flesh, not pale. This indicates freshness.
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Smell: There should be no “fishy” odor. It should smell fresh and like the sea.
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Texture: The flesh should bounce back when touched and not be mushy.
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Freshness: The eyes should be clear, not cloudy. The gills should be bright red.
Great choices for grilling include King (Chinook), Sockeye, Coho and Atlantic salmon.
Preparing the Salmon
Before grilling, proper prep is key:
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Rinse – Give the salmon a quick rinse under cold water and pat completely dry.
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Brine (optional) – Soaking in a saltwater brine seasons the fish and keeps it moist.
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Coat – Rub down with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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Season – Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and other spices.
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Stuff – Put lemon slices, herbs and aromatics inside the cavity.
Your salmon is now ready for the grill!
How to Grill a Whole Salmon
Grilling salmon is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat your grill to 400-450°F. Use indirect heat with coals off to one side.
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Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
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Grill with the lid closed for 20-30 minutes over indirect heat.
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Cook until the thickest part of the salmon reaches 125-130°F internally.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Check for doneness – salmon should flake easily with a fork when ready.
And that’s it! Let the grill do the work and you’ll have perfectly cooked whole salmon.
Serving the Grilled Salmon
Once cooked, here are some tips for serving:
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Transfer the salmon to a cutting board and lift off the skin in sections.
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Cut behind the head and lift off the top fillet. The bones should lift off easily.
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Remove any remaining bones with pliers.
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Transfer salmon to a platter and drizzle with olive oil or compound butter.
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Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
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Serve with grilled veggies, rice pilaf or a fresh salad.
Tips for Salmon Grilling Perfection
Follow these tips for foolproof results:
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Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
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Oil the grill grates and salmon skin liberally. Use a brush or paper towel.
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Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperature and prevent overcooking.
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For extra moisture and flavor, brine the salmon for 30 mins – 1 hour before grilling.
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Grill over indirect heat, keeping the thickest part farthest from the heat source.
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Allow the salmon to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to grilling whole salmon, here are some common FAQs:
Can you grill salmon with the skin on?
Yes, the skin helps hold the fillets together. Just score it before grilling to prevent curling.
Should you flip the salmon on the grill?
Flipping isn’t necessary with indirect heat. But you can flip halfway through if desired.
How long does it take to grill a whole salmon?
Figure around 20-30 minutes total for a 3-5 lb salmon. Use a meat thermometer.
What temperature should you cook salmon to?
Aim for 125-130°F for moist, flaky salmon. Above 145°F will be dry.
What are the best wood chips for grilling salmon?
Fruit woods like apple and cherry add nice flavor without overwhelming the salmon.
Delicious Salmon Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered grilling basics, get creative with these tasty recipes:
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Cedar Plank Salmon – Infuses big wood-fired flavor
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Blackened Salmon – A New Orleans classic!
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Salmon Burgers – Light, healthy and delicious
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Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and sticky yumminess
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Miso Maple Salmon – Savory, umami deliciousness
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Salmon Tacos – Smoky salmon in warm tortillas
The possibilities are endless. Have fun with grilling your whole salmon!
Conclusion
As you can see, cooking a whole salmon on the barbecue is easy with the right techniques. All you need is a hot grill, some aromatics, and a 3-5 lb salmon fillet. Grill it over indirect heat with the lid closed until cooked through. Let it rest, then serve. Your guests will be seriously impressed by your skills! Grilling a whole salmon is a fantastic way to feed a crowd and enjoy delicious, juicy salmon all summer long. Give it a try for your next backyard BBQ or dinner party!
