The Salmon Grilling Guide

how to grill wild sockeye salmon

Grilling our Farm2Fork Wild Canadian Sockeye Salmon is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy it. However, grilling salmon can be a bit of a challenge: 

  • It can easily stick to the grill
  • It can easily be overcooked

Don't worry, to help you master the art of grilling salmon, we've put together this guide with tips and tricks to grill it perfectly every time.

1. The Best Salmon For Grilling

The first step to grilling the perfect salmon is to start with fresh salmon fillets, such as ours at Farm2Fork. If you aren't able to order our salmon in time, simply purchase salmon fillets that are:

  • Firm
  • Shiny
  • Have a fresh smell
  • Wild-caught, when possible

Also, make sure to avoid salmon that is discoloured or has a strong fishy odor, as that may indicate that it's not fresh.

2. Salmon Grilling Setup & Temperature 

Preparation is key to grilling salmon successfully:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F)
  2. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the salmon from sticking
  3. Choose a neutral oil for the grates like vegetable or canola oil
  4. Apply the oil with a brush or paper towel - the oil will help create beautiful grill marks on the salmon fillets.
  5. Season the salmon

3. Seasoning Salmon For The Grill

Before placing your salmon fillets on the grill, season them with your desired seasonings. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon juice can bring out the natural flavours of the salmon, or you can experiment with different herbs, spices, or marinades to suit your taste preferences.

Be sure to season both sides of the salmon fillets evenly for maximum taste!

4. Grilling Salmon

Follow these steps for the perfect grill of your salmon:

  1. Place your salmon on the preheated grill skin-side down, as the skin will help to hold the fillets together and prevent them from falling apart
  2. Avoid moving or flipping the salmon fillets too much during cooking, as this can cause them to break apart or stick to the grill
  3. Close the lid of the grill to create an even cooking environment
  4. Cook the salmon for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets
  5. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon (avoid the bone) to check the internal temperature, and to protect against overcooking
  6. Wait until the salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which will ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat - without being overcooked or dry

Once the salmon fillets are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the salmon fillets, resulting in a moister and tastier final result. Tent the salmon fillets with foil during the resting period to keep them warm!

5. Serving Grilled Salmon

After your salmon is finished resting, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish it with:

  • Fresh herbs
  • Lemon wedges
  • The sauce of choice

Lastly, serve your now perfectly prepared salmon with a complimentary side dish, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!

Ready to get cooking? Order our Wild Canadian Sockeye Salmon now and get delivery straight to your door!

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