The depth of information you have on a task determines your success, so it is when it comes to cooking. One of the frustrating aspects of cooking is overdoing it, which is why you need to be well-informed on the steps for each cooking method and cooking duration.
Salmon is one of the dishes you need to cook with strict timing, especially when grilling, as the cooking duration for salmon on a grill spans between 10 to 15 minutes.
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How To Cook Salmon On The Grill?
Cooking salmon on the grill involves a lot of preparation and carefulness as you need to master your charcoal and be conscious of the type of salmon to use. If you are a fish lover, a farmed salmon might not give you the juicy and crispy taste you desire when grilled, but a wild salmon will do.
However, you can use any salmon for your grilled salmon. Before you start grilling, the next thing to do is to get familiar with your charcoal grill; this might not be needed if you use a gas grill.
A charcoal grill is the best for your salmon as it brings out its flavor and aroma; this can only be achieved if you use paper to light up the charcoal. The taste of naturally lighted charcoal will be different from that of charcoal fluid, so avoid using it.
Once the coal is covered with ash, open the chimney and distribute the charcoal evenly before placing the grill grates on it to preheat for a few minutes.
Make sure the grill temperature is up to 400 degrees F by checking the temperature gauge if your grill has one, but if it does not, use a thermometer to check it.
Ingredients For Grilled Salmon.
A salmon fillet with skin
Salt
Olive oil or avocado oil
Ground black pepper
Procedure.
Wash your salmon and cut it into the desired shape but ensure the skin is maintained as it protects the salmon from unnecessary burnt or change of taste.
Rub the oil on the salmon, sprinkle your ground black pepper with salt, then place it on the grill with the skin facing down.
Cover with lid
Open the lid after a few minutes and flip the salmon to the other side to allow for even cooking. (Flipping might not be necessary if a high-quality grill is used).
Remove the fish from the grill and allow it to cool once properly cooked.
Peel away the skin after a few minutes and serve with a preferred side dish.
How Long To Cook Salmon On The Grill Using Foil Packs?
The cooking duration for grilling Salmon with foil packs is between 15 minutes to 20 minutes due to the indirect heat applied to the salmon.
However, the cooking duration might be faster than cooking it without foil if the salmon is marinated before placing in the foil.
How Often Do I Flip Salmon On The Grill?
It depends on the type of grill you have. Flipping salmon on the grill is unnecessary if your grill is a standard one of high quality and is mainly used for that purpose, but if not, you might need to flip it once the grill marks are formed, signifying that the side facing down is done.
Therefore, the skin should be the one facing the grill and not the flesh of the salmon.
How Do I Keep Salmon From Overcooking On The Grill?
It is a very easy task as all you have to do is to marinate your salmon for 1 hour in your desired marinade mix and place it in the middle of a heavy-duty foil well brushed with olive oil or melted butter. Then, wrap the fish up with the foil paper, ensuring the end is perfectly sealed.
Ensure you set the grill’s temperature from 380 to 400 degrees F, the standard cooking temperature for salmon, and allow it to grill for 10 to 15 minutes before checking it out.
Instead of marinating the salmon, you can oil it and sprinkle your ingredients on it after placing it in the aluminum foil.
Moreover, an overcooked salmon is above 145 degrees F, so you need to be conscious of the temperature of the salmon. You do not have to wait for your salmon to reach that temperature, as cooked salmon is evident from 120 degrees F.
What Temperature Signifies A Cooked Salmon?
The standard temperature for a cooked salmon is 145 degrees F. However, it would help if you did not wait for your salmon to reach the temperature before removing it from the grill because salmon is a good conductor of heat and will keep cooking for a few minutes after being removed from the heat source.
You can remove the salmon from the grill grate once its temperature is between 125 to 135 degrees F, allowing it to finish cooking by leaving it to cool down for a few minutes.
The temperature of your grill is also important, so you must ensure the temperature remains between 390 to 400 degrees F.
What Are The Factors Affecting the Cooking Time of Salmon on The Grill?
Grilling salmon can give it a smoky and charred flavor, making it a favorite for many people. However, it is crucial to cook the salmon correctly to achieve the desired taste and texture.
1. Thickness of the salmon fillet
The thickness of the salmon fillet is one of the most significant factors affecting the cooking time. Thicker fillets will require more time to cook compared to thinner ones. For example, a 1-inch-thick fillet will take longer to cook than a ½-inch-thick fillet. To ensure that the salmon cooks evenly, it is recommended to cook fillets of the same thickness.
2. Temperature of the grill
The temperature of the grill also affects the cooking time of the salmon. A hotter grill will cook the salmon faster than a cooler one. The ideal temperature for grilling salmon is between 350°F and 400°F.
Preheating the grill to the desired temperature before cooking the salmon is recommended. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
3. Type of salmon
The type of salmon being grilled also affects the cooking time. Different types of salmon have different textures and densities, which affect how long they take to cook. For example, wild-caught salmon may take longer to cook than farm-raised salmon due to their denser texture.
It is essential to consider the type of salmon being grilled and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Personal preference
Personal preference also plays a role in determining how long to cook salmon on the grill. Some people prefer their salmon to be rare or medium-rare, while others prefer it well done.
Cooking time can be adjusted based on personal preference to achieve the desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon and ensure it has reached the desired level of doneness.
What To Serve With Grilled Salmon?
A Grilled salmon can either be served with wine or side dishes, and they include;
Wash your salmon and cut it into the desired shape but ensure the skin is maintained as it protects the salmon from unnecessary burnt or change of taste.
Rub the oil on the salmon, sprinkle your ground black pepper with salt, then place it on the grill with the skin facing down.
Cover with lid
Open the lid after a few minutes and flip the salmon to the other side to allow for even cooking. (Flipping might not be necessary if a high-quality grill is used).
Remove the fish from the grill and allow it to cool once it is properly cooked.
Peel away the skin after a few minutes and serve with a preferred side dish.
Video
Keyword avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, fillet, salmon
Conclusion
Cooking salmon on a grill gives the fish a browny color, juicy taste, and a crispy texture, but this can only be actualized if the cooking duration is strictly adhered to.
Therefore, the cooking duration for a salmon with or without foil on a charcoal grill differs from that of a gas grill.
