Cooking salmon on a Traeger grill results in deliciously smoked salmon that is moist flaky and packed with flavor. With the right techniques, salmon can be easily cooked on a pellet grill like the Traeger to get professional quality results right at home. In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook salmon like a pro on your Traeger.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon on a Traeger Grill
There are several advantages to using a Traeger grill to cook salmon compared to other cooking methods
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Adds Smoky Flavor – The wood-fired Traeger grill infuses the salmon with a wonderful smoky taste that enhances the natural flavor of the fish. This smoked salmon flavor is hard to achieve with an oven or skillet.
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Keeps Salmon Moist – Traeger grills cook at lower temperatures than traditional grilling, allowing the salmon to cook gently while keeping it tender and moist. Direct high heat can dry salmon out quickly.
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Requires Little Oil or Butter – Since Traeger grills use indirect heat, salmon can be cooked with little or no added fats, making it a healthier cooking option.
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Easy to Use – After setting the temperature, salmon practically cooks itself on a Traeger with minimal effort or babysitting required.
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Versatile – In addition to smoking, Traeger grills can also be used to roast, bake, braise, and grill salmon.
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Sustainable Cooking – Traeger grills use natural wood pellets which are a renewable fuel source, making them an eco-friendly cooking option.
Tips for Preparing Salmon for the Traeger Grill
Proper prep is key to delicious smoked salmon from the Traeger. Follow these tips before cooking:
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Choose Fresh Salmon – Look for bright color, firm flesh, and no unpleasant odors. Wild caught salmon has the best flavor.
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Portion Salmon – Cut salmon into 4-6 oz portions for more even cooking. Leave skin on for added moisture and flavor.
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Season Salmon – Rub salmon all over with olive oil then season as desired. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and dried dill are great options.
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Consider Brining – For extra moist salmon, soak in a simple salt-sugar brine for 30 mins – 1 hour before smoking. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
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Let Salmon Sit – After seasoning, let salmon rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the seasoning penetrate the flesh.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Salmon on a Traeger Grill
Follow these simple steps for foolproof smoked salmon every time:
1. Preheat Traeger Grill
- Preheat grill to 225°F using preferred smoking wood pellets – apple, maple and alder work well.
2. Prepare Salmon
- Lightly oil grates if needed to prevent sticking. Season salmon as desired and let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
3. Add Salmon to Grill
- Place salmon skin-side down. If thick fillets, start with skin-side down for first half of cook time then flip.
4. Smoke Salmon
- Smoke salmon with lid closed until opaque and flakes easily, 15-30 mins per 1 inch thickness. Baste with olive oil if desired.
5. Check Internal Temp
- Salmon is done at an internal temp of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
6. Rest and Serve
- When cooked, remove salmon from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Salmon continues cooking off heat.
Cooking Considerations
Keep these tips in mind for best results:
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Cook time will vary based on salmon thickness. Plan for 8-12 minutes per inch of thickness.
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Use a digital meat thermometer to check internal temp, aim for 145°F.
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Baste salmon with oil or glaze during smoking to prevent drying out.
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Add soaked wood chips to Traeger’s smoke setting for extra smoke flavor.
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Turn salmon halfway through if cooking thick fillets to ensure even cooking.
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Let salmon rest off grill for 5-10 mins before serving, this finishes cooking process.
Salmon Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Smoked salmon is versatile and pairs well with many flavors. Consider serving with:
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Fresh greens, roasted veggies or rice pilaf
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Lemon wedges, grilled lemons or aioli sauce
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Herbs like dill, chives, parsley or cilantro
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Citrus vinaigrettes or tangy yogurt dips
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Toasted bread, bagels, crackers or flatbreads
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Eggs, potatoes or hash for a smoked salmon breakfast
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Pasta, risotto or grain bowls
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Summer salads with greens, berries and nuts
Storing and Freezing Leftover Smoked Salmon
Properly stored, leftover smoked salmon keeps for 4-5 days refrigerated. Freeze for longer storage:
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Let salmon cool completely first. Use within 3 days for best quality.
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Place salmon in airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Store smoked salmon in refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
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Freeze smoked salmon for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
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Portion salmon into smaller amounts before freezing for easier use.
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Wrap salmon well and minimize air exposure when freezing for best flavor.
Common Questions about Cooking Salmon on a Traeger
1. What is the best wood for smoking salmon on a Traeger?
Alder, maple, apple, and cherry are good wood pellet options. Hickory and mesquite may overpower salmon’s delicate flavor.
2. Should I brine salmon before smoking on a Traeger?
Brining is optional but recommended. It seasons the salmon and helps keep it moist during smoking.
3. How do I prevent salmon sticking to the Traeger grill?
Use a grill mat, keep grill grates clean and oiled, or place salmon in foil packet with holes. Cook skin-side down first.
4. Can I smoke frozen salmon fillets on my Traeger?
Yes, but thaw first for best results. Thick frozen fillets may cook unevenly. Defrost overnight in fridge before smoking.
5. Is it safe to eat salmon smoked on a Traeger without reheating?
Yes, salmon smoked to an internal temperature of 145°F on a Traeger is safe to eat without further cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking salmon on the Traeger grill results in incredibly tender, flaky and flavorful smoked salmon that looks and tastes like you ordered it at a fancy restaurant. With the proper techniques, salmon can be easily smoked on the Traeger for amazing results. Experiment with different wood pellet flavors, seasonings and serving suggestions for delicious variations. Smoked salmon is also great for leftovers and makes an easy protein to meal prep with. Fire up the Traeger grill and enjoy professional-quality smoked salmon cooked right at home.
