Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, its crispy exterior glazed with tangy BBQ sauce, revealing a tender, flaky interior that melts in your mouth. This Easy BBQ Grilled Salmon recipe is your ticket to transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a weekend cooking enthusiast, this foolproof recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your own backyard.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the BBQ sauce adhere better and promotes better caramelization.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Ensure an even coating for balanced flavor throughout the fish.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Brush each salmon fillet generously with olive oil, which will help prevent sticking and create a nice sear on the fish.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to crisp and develop grill marks.
- Carefully flip the salmon and brush the top side with BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush additional BBQ sauce on the salmon for extra flavor and caramelization.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish just before eating.
Tips
- Always start with fresh, high-quality salmon fillets and pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and perfect caramelization.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked salmon that's moist and flaky.
- Don't skip oiling the grill grates; this prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks that make your salmon look as good as it tastes.
- Be patient when grilling and avoid moving the fish too much. Let it develop a nice sear before flipping to maintain its structural integrity.
- Choose a BBQ sauce with a balance of sweetness and tanginess to complement the rich flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 546kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 112mg
