Smoky-Sweet Grilled King Salmon Recipe for Summer Feasts

King salmon gleams with a vibrant, succulent promise that beckons seafood enthusiasts.

Wild-caught from pristine Pacific waters, this fish carries incredible depth of flavor.

Marine experts prize these magnificent swimmers for their rich, buttery texture.

Delicate pink flesh promises a culinary adventure that dances between delicate and robust.

Summer grilling techniques unlock extraordinary potential within each salmon fillet.

Salt, pepper, and a whisper of lemon create magic on hot grates.

Mastering this recipe will elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress anyone who tastes the results.

How To Store Grilled King Salmon Recipe Safely

• Refrigerate leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Store the fish within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep the salmon in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the bottom shelf, to maintain its quality.
• Consume refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• When reheating, use gentle methods like low-temperature oven warming or quick microwave heating to prevent drying out the delicate fish.
• Always cover the salmon while reheating to retain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• For longer storage, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its original flavor and texture.

Perfect Sides With Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or chardonnay cuts through the salmon's rich flavor, creating a refreshing balance that enhances the fish's natural oils and smoky grilled notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a bright, peppery contrast to the grilled salmon, adding crunch and zesty undertones that elevate the entire meal.
• Match with Herbal Sides: Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini seasoned with similar herbs like oregano and garlic mirror the salmon's spice profile, creating a harmonious and cohesive dining experience.
• Pour Craft Beer Option: A hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrus hints beautifully complements the lemon and smoky paprika notes, offering a crisp and complex taste that stands up to the salmon's robust flavor.

Fun Variations On Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap oregano for fresh rosemary and thyme, then add crumbled feta cheese on top after grilling for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Glaze: Replace the garlic butter sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and honey for a tangy, bold kick that complements the salmon's richness.
• Citrus Pepper Blend: Use orange zest instead of lemon, incorporate crushed coriander seeds with black pepper, and finish with a drizzle of orange-infused olive oil for a bright, zesty experience.
• Smoky Cajun Style: Create a spice rub using cayenne, paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar to develop a robust, southern-inspired crust on the salmon.

Helpful Answers For Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• What makes king salmon different from other salmon types?

King salmon, also known as Chinook, is the largest and most prized salmon species. It has a rich, buttery flavor and higher fat content, making it incredibly tender and delicious when grilled.

• Can I use this seasoning blend on other types of fish?

Absolutely! This versatile seasoning mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano works wonderfully on other fish like halibut, cod, or even chicken.

• How do I know if my salmon is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium doneness, aim for 125-130F. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when it’s done.

• Is it necessary to leave the skin on while grilling?

Keeping the skin on helps protect the delicate flesh and prevents sticking. It also adds extra flavor and can be easily removed after cooking if you prefer.

Why Grilled King Salmon Recipe Is A Summer Favorite

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up this grilled king salmon in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: The recipe uses common pantry spices and a quick garlic butter sauce to transform a basic salmon fillet into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
• Healthy Grill Master Technique: Grilling salmon keeps it lean and protein-rich while adding a delicious smoky char, creating a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners, date nights, or even impressive weekend gatherings, appealing to seafood lovers of all ages.

What’s In Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• King Salmon: Premium fish with rich, buttery flavor, wild-caught preferred for best taste and texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for enhancing salmon's natural flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Aromatic spices adding depth and complexity to the fish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through rich salmon and adds freshness.
• Fresh Parsley or Dill: Vibrant herb garnish for color and herbal note.

• Butter, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Honey: Rich, tangy sauce that complements the grilled salmon's flavor.

Steps To Cook Grilled King Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F. Grab a paper towel and spread cooking oil generously across the grates to keep your salmon from getting stuck.

Step 2: Pamper Your Salmon

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty kick.

Step 3: Sear The Perfect Fillet

Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature hits 125-130F for that perfect medium doneness. For a gorgeous char, carefully flip the salmon during the last 2 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up A Dreamy Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Honey

Brush this liquid gold over the salmon just before serving.

Step 5: Plate And Celebrate

Transfer the salmon from grill to plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors. Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of sunshine.

Tips For Tender Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Thoroughly oil the grill grates before placing salmon to ensure a clean, smooth release and beautiful grill marks without tearing the delicate fish.
• Moisture Management Magic: Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of grilling.
• Temperature Tracking Technique: Use a meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature, aiming for 125-130F for medium doneness that keeps the fish tender and juicy.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like dill, thyme, or cayenne to customize the salmon's seasoning profile and match your taste preferences.
• Resting Ritual Recommendation: Allow grilled salmon to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each bite remains succulent and perfectly cooked.

Grilled King Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent King Salmon grilled to perfection marries Mediterranean herbs with ocean-fresh flavors. Delicate fish meets smoky char, delivering a luxurious seafood experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) king salmon fillet (skin-on for best results)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Liquid and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the outdoor grill by heating it to a robust medium-high temperature, ensuring the cooking surface reaches 375-400F with thoroughly cleaned and well-oiled grates to prevent salmon from adhering.
2. Meticulously pat the salmon fillet with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, creating an ideal surface for seasoning and grilling.
3. Create a flavorful coating by generously drizzling olive oil across the salmon, ensuring complete and even coverage with a gentle rubbing motion.
4. Craft a robust seasoning blend by sprinkling salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano across the entire fillet surface, massaging the spices gently to enhance penetration.
5. Enhance the salmon’s brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the seasoned fish, allowing the citrus to complement the existing spice profile.
6. Position the salmon carefully onto the grill, placing the skin-side down to promote even cooking and protect the delicate flesh from direct flame contact.
7. Cover the grill and allow the salmon to cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 125-130F for a perfect medium doneness.
8. For additional texture, optionally rotate the salmon during the final two minutes of cooking to achieve light charring on the flesh side, using careful precision.
9. While the salmon grills, quickly prepare an optional garlic butter sauce by whisking melted butter with minced garlic, a touch of lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey.
10. Once cooking is complete, remove the salmon from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, helping the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
11. Finish the dish by brushing the optional garlic butter sauce over the grilled salmon and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or dill.
12. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, providing guests the option to add an extra burst of citrus to their perfectly grilled salmon.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat the salmon completely dry before grilling to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
• Skin-Side Strategy: Always start grilling salmon skin-side down to protect the delicate flesh and create a beautiful crispy skin.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 125-130F for medium doneness, avoiding dry or undercooked fish.
• Marinade Magic: Let salmon sit with seasonings for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe naturally fits low-carb diets, providing high-protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Herb Swap Potential: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe’s core technique.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 56 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg