Is Grilled or Baked Salmon Better? A Detailed Comparison
When it comes to cooking salmon, two of the most popular methods are grilling and baking. But which technique results in better tasting, healthier salmon? Here is a comprehensive comparison of the pros and cons of grilling vs baking salmon to help you decide.
Grilling Salmon
Grilling infuses salmon with a lovely charred flavor and creates beautiful grill marks. The high, dry heat seals in moisture while rendering the fatty acids on the surface. Grilling salmon takes only 10-15 minutes making it a quick weeknight dinner. It also requires minimal preparation and equipment – just brush the fillets with oil, season and place them on a hot grill.
Some key advantages of grilling salmon include
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Bold, smoky flavor – The dry heat from grilling gives salmon a smoky depth of flavor. The char enhances salmon’s rich, fatty taste.
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Crispy texture – Grilling makes the outside crispy and sears it, but the inside stays moist and flaky. This contrast of textures is part of salmon’s appeal.
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Quick to cook – On a grill, salmon fillets only need 8 to 12 minutes per inch of thickness to be fully cooked. The high heat expedites dinner.
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Limited equipment needed – All you need is a grill, either gas or charcoal. No other special tools are required.
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Less fat is needed because the fish cooks in its own oils, so it has fewer calories. Grilled salmon is lighter than baked.
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High heat renders salmon’s fats – The high dry heat helps liquify and distribute the omega-3 fats.
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Infuses salmon with smoky aroma – Grilling gives salmon a wonderful smoky fragrance.
Baking Salmon
Baking gently cooks salmon to a tender, silky texture. The even, ambient heat ensures the fish cooks evenly throughout. Baking maintains moisture and requires little preparation. Baked salmon can also accommodate various seasonings and sauces.
Benefits of baking salmon include:
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Gentle cooking method – The ambient heat tenderizes salmon without drying it out. Baking yields a uniformly cooked fillet.
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Natural flavors preserved – Baking doesn’t impart other flavors so salmon’s subtle notes shine. The fish’s oils and moisture are also retained.
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Versatile flavor options – Baked salmon can be topped with herbs, spices, citrus or sauce for added dimensions.
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Tender, flaky texture – Slow baking makes salmon moist and flaky. There is no crispy exterior but the interior will be tender.
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Difficult to overcook – The moderate, even heat of the oven gives a larger window of doneness before drying out.
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Relaxed cooking method – Put fillets in the oven and wait until cooked through. Minimal monitoring needed.
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Moist and succulent – The ambient heat locks in natural juices and oils for a luscious mouthfeel.
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Oven space can be maximized – Multiple fillets can bake at once using sheet pans. Great for larger gatherings.
Comparison of Grilled vs Baked Salmon
Now that we’ve outlined the major pros of grilled and baked salmon separately, here is a direct comparison between the two cooking methods:
Grilled Salmon | Baked Salmon
The best salmon for grilling
Whether you’re working with wild-caught or quality, responsibly raised fish, the cut of salmon will make a difference. Here is what I look for grilling:
- Center-cut salmon fillet: The center-cut part of the fish t is thicker and more uniform so it will cook more evenly(No dry edges and undercooked middles here!)
- Skin-on salmon: Particularly if you’re cooking it directly on the grill, it’s a good idea to use skin-on fish fillets. The skin holds the salmon together as it cooks over dry heat, and it also imparts good flavor as it releases fat that keeps the fish moist. But if you only have skinless salmon fillet, I recommend grilling the fish in foil instead.
How to grill salmon
Cooking salmon on the grill directly over the hot grates will take less than 10 minutes! Here is how:
- Season the salmon. Pat the salmon dry and season well (see the seasoning and marinade ideas above). You can refrigerate the marinated fish for 20 minutes or so while you heat up the grill or work on sides.
- Start with high direct heat. The grill should be heated to around 450 degrees F. I use a gas grill, but you can also use a charcoal grill.
- Oil the grates. Brush the grates generously with oil. This is so important to make sure the salmon does not stick to the grill.
- Grill salmon flesh side down FIRST, then flip over once. Place the salmon fillets on the grill flesh side down first (so the skin is facing you). Raw salmon is relatively firm, so starting it off with the flesh facing down is a great way to get some nice grill marks on the salmon without it falling apart. Close the grill lid and do not disturb the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes. Once you see a thin layer of opaque (cooked) flesh closest to the heat, gently flip the salmon over using tongs and a spatula so it is skin-side down. The skin will help hold the salmon together. Lower the heat to medium (about 350 degrees F) and close the lid again. Cook for another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
- Take the fish off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes or so. Remove the salmon from the heat when the flesh is just opaque. At that point, if it is still not cooked enough to your liking, you can put it back on the heat. But you can’t undo overcooked grilled salmon, so it’s better to take it off the heat the moment the flesh turns from translucent to opaque. Allow the fish to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes or so before serving, the salmon will continue to cook as it sits. This will give you tender juicy salmon with loads of flavor.Note: your salmon is cooked when its internal temperature registers 145 degrees F, but take it off the grill when it is a few degrees below that.
THIS is How I Get Perfectly Grilled Salmon Every Single Time
FAQ
Is baking or grilling salmon better?
There might be a very small amount of additional fat added to grilled salmon but the difference is normally insignificant. Most fat on grilled salmon drips off into the grill and baked salmon frequently does include some fat as well.
What is the best method to cook salmon?
The best way to cook salmon depends on personal preference and desired outcome. Baking offers even cooking and moistness, while grilling delivers a crispier exterior and smoky flavor.
Do you grill or oven cook salmon?
For smaller, crispy, skin-on Salmon; a crispy pan sear is recommended. For bigger fillets, and succulent, skin-off King Salmon; the best method would be cooking in an oven.
Is it better to bake or grill fish?
Deciding between grilling and oven-baking seafood comes down to your personal preferences and the type of seafood you’re preparing. Grilling offers a fast, flavorful approach with the added bonus of a crispy, smoky finish. Oven-baking, on the other hand, provides precise, even heat for tender, juicy seafood.
Is grilling salmon better than baking?
Grilling salmon is a great way to add flavor and create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside. Baking salmon, on the other hand, is a more gentle cooking method that results in a soft, flaky texture. Both methods have their advantages, and it’s really a matter of personal preference.
What is the difference between Grill and bake salmon?
Grill and bake salmon are two popular cooking methods, and each has its own set of advantages. Grilling is a healthy way to cook salmon, as it helps to lock in moisture and adds flavor. Baking, on the other hand, is a more hands-off method, and is great for cooking large batches of salmon. Grilling salmon is a great way to add flavor to the fish.
Is grilling salmon a healthy way to cook?
Grilling salmon is a very healthy way to cook the fish, as it helps to lock in moisture and adds flavor. Baking salmon is a more hands-off method, and is perfect for cooking large batches of salmon. Grilling salmon is a great way to add flavor to the fish, and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Can you eat grilled salmon?
Grilled or baked salmon makes a great addition to salads. Simply flake the cooked salmon into small pieces, and add it to a bed of greens, vegetables, and your favorite dressing. You can also add grilled or baked salmon to pasta salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
Is oven-baking salmon healthier than pan frying?
Not the healthiest. Baking: Dry heat and no added fat makes this a healthier cooking method. However, unlike pan-frying or sautéing, oven-baking salmon requires little to no additional oil. The natural fats in the salmon help to keep the fish moist, and the dry heat of the oven helps to create a slight caramelized exterior without excessive oil.
Can You Grill salmon skin on a grill?
There is a trick to grilling salmon, though, Once you know it, it will transform your success with grilling this fish forever. Use skin-on fillets and place the salmon fillets on the hot grill skin-side up (flesh side down) first. The fillets, when raw, won’t flake and fall apart like they will when they are cooked.