Grilled Salmon
Perfectly grilled salmon with crispy skin, flaky tender interior, and bright lemon-herb finish. The 15-minute healthy dinner. The key is high heat, dry fish, and pulling just before fully done.
Prep Time
17 min
Cook Time
50 min
Servings
6
Calories
350 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Salmon3 fillets
- Lemon1 ½
- Garlic4 ½ cloves
- Olive Oil3 tbsp
- Black Pepper¾ tsp
- Salt1 ½ tsp
- Parsley1 ½
All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Salmon3 fillets
- Lemon1.5
- Garlic4.5 cloves
- Olive Oil3 tbsp
- Black Pepper0.75 tsp
- Salt1.5 tsp
- Parsley1.5
Instructions
- 1
Choose 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on. Pat very dry with paper towels.
- 2
Brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season heavily with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 3
Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over highest heat for 3-4 minutes until smoking.
- 4
Place salmon skin-side down. Don't move for 4 minutes — let skin crisp and fish release from pan.
- 5
Flip carefully. Cook second side 2-3 minutes until fish flakes easily but still slightly translucent in center (130°F internal for medium).
- 6
Transfer to plate. Squeeze fresh lemon over, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley, flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Watch how to make Grilled Salmon
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Pat very dry. Wet salmon doesn't crisp.
- 2.Skin on for best results. Crisps beautifully, protects flesh.
- 3.Don't move for 4 minutes. The skin releases when ready.
- 4.Pull slightly under-done. 130°F is medium. Past 140°F = dry.
🔬 Why It Works
Perfectly grilled salmon has crispy skin, moist flaky interior, and bright finishing flavors. High-heat searing creates the crispy crust through Maillard browning. Brief cooking time keeps the interior moist. Salmon's natural fat content makes it forgiving — slightly underdone is preferable to overdone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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4.4
241 home cooks rated this
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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