How Long to Grill Sockeye Salmon for Perfectly Cooked Fillet

Grilling sockeye salmon to perfection requires knowing exactly how long to cook it. Undercook sockeye salmon and you’ll end up with raw, mushy flesh. Overcook it and your fillet will be dry and flavorless. So finding that sweet spot for doneness is essential.

In this article I’ll explain everything you need to know about grilling times for sockeye salmon. You’ll learn how long to grill a 1 inch thick salmon fillet, how to check for doneness and tips for grilling moist, flaky salmon every time.

What is Sockeye Salmon?

Sockeye salmon also called red salmon is a Pacific salmon known for its deep red-orange flesh. It has a rich flavor and firm texture that makes it excellent for grilling. Sockeye salmon live in the northern Pacific and rivers of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Wild sockeye salmon is only available fresh during late spring through fall when they run upstream to spawn. Otherwise, you’ll find frozen sockeye salmon year-round.

Some key facts about sockeye salmon:

• Average 6 pounds but range from 4 to 15 pounds
• Distinguished by bright red-orange flesh
• High oil content gives it a rich flavor
• Medium flake and firm texture

Sockeye salmon fillets are thinner than salmon like Atlantic or Coho, usually around 1 inch thick. The thinner cut means slightly less time on the grill.

How Long to Grill a 1 Inch Thick Sockeye Salmon Fillet

For a 1 inch thick sockeye salmon fillet, the grill time is about 6 to 8 minutes total. This gives you a nice sear on the outside and perfectly flaky, moist salmon inside.

Here are more details on grilling a 1 inch salmon fillet:

• Grill skin-side down over direct medium-high heat
• Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until browned
• Flip and grill for 3 to 4 minutes more
• Salmon should reach 145°F internally

Always use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F.

If your fillet is thinner than 1 inch, reduce the grilling time by 1 to 2 minutes per side. For thicker fillets, add 1 to 2 minutes per side.

How to Check Sockeye Salmon for Doneness

Checking for doneness is crucial to prevent over or undercooking. Here are some ways to test if your sockeye salmon is cooked properly:

• Use an instant-read thermometer – Insert into thickest area and salmon should reach 140-145°F
• Check opacity – Salmon changes from translucent to opaque as it cooks
• Flake test – Use a fork to gently flake the flesh which should break apart easily when done

When properly cooked, the salmon will be opaque all the way through. You should be able to easily flake it with a fork but still be moist and juicy inside.

Tips for Grilling Moist, Flaky Sockeye Salmon

Follow these simple tips for grilling sockeye salmon that turns out tender and juicy every time:

• Pat the fillet dry – Remove excess moisture with paper towels before grilling
• Use skin-on fillets – The skin protects the delicate flesh from overcooking
• Oil the grill grates – Prevent sticking by oiling hot grates before adding fish
• Sear over direct heat – Get nice grill marks over direct heat then move over indirect heat if needed
• Don’t move the fillet – After placing fillets on the grill, resist flipping or moving until seared
• Use a meat thermometer – This avoids over or undercooking
• Let it rest before serving – Carryover cooking will finish it off the grill

Resting the salmon 5 minutes after grilling allows the temperature to equilibrate for evenly cooked salmon. Tenting with foil helps retain moisture and heat.

Pellet Grills Are Great for Salmon

Pellet grills like the Z Grills 700D are fantastic for cooking sockeye salmon. The wood-fired flavor pairs perfectly with salmon. Pellet grills easily reach temperatures hot enough to sear the fish while infusing it with subtle smoky flavor.

Here are some benefits of using a pellet grill for sockeye salmon:

• Imparts light smoke flavor
• Reaches 500°F+ to sear fillets
• Precise temperature control
• Large surface area to grill multiple fillets
• Infuses salmon with wood-fired flavor

For best results grilling salmon on a pellet grill, go with a hardwood pellet flavor like maple, oak, or cherry rather than stronger mesquite. Apple wood pellets also complement salmon nicely.

Perfectly grilled sockeye salmon takes just 6 to 8 minutes over direct medium-high heat. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness and take salmon off the grill when it reaches 140-145°F internally. For tender, flaky texture, pat salmon fillets dry before grilling and cook on oiled grill grates. Pellet grills are ideal for infusing salmon with subtle smoky flavor while searing the outside of the fillets. Master these simple tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality grilled sockeye salmon ready in under 10 minutes.

Sockeye salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (medium) or 130°F to 140°F (medium-well), according to Wild Alaskan Company. It should be opaque, moist, and flaky, with the flesh separating easily when poked with a fork.