How to Grill Salmon

Grilling salmon is one of the most popular ways to prepare this type of fish, and it's one of the easiest methods as well. Learning how to grill salmon perfectly can be done with just a few tries. You will only need a few minutes of actual grilling time, and there are many ways to prepare your salmon ahead of time, from simply brushing on some olive oil to concocting a masterful marinade or rub to enhance your salmon.

There are only a few steps to the grilling process. These include preheating the grill, preparing the salmon while you wait, and actually cooking your fish over the fire. There are many different kinds of marinades that can be used on grilled salmon, and this will depend on your individual tastes. Grilling salmon takes little time. In fact, the salmon will continue to cook after it comes off the grill, so make sure you allow for that.

Whether you have a charcoal or gas grill, it's easy to cook perfect salmon every time. Be sure to ask your fishmonger to keep the skin on your salmon when you buy it. The key is not to overcook. Fish grills quickly, and overcooking can ruin good salmon. You might be in the midst of a big, boisterous barbecue, but don't get too caught up in the fun of grilling with a group and get distracted from your fish. Besides the grill, the fish and a reliable timer, you'll need little else to grill up a tasty meal.

You will want your grill to be medium-hot when you place the fish on it.http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/How-to-Grill-Salmon-Video/Detail.aspx If you have a charcoal grill, the coals should be bright red and the flames should have subsided before you place the fish on the grill.http://www.ehow.com/how_2085448_.html If you have a gas grill, set the temperature between 300 and 325 degrees.

To determine if your grill is truly medium-hot, place your hand 4 inches above the grill and start counting the seconds.[http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1184176-1184214-3,00.html If you can keep your hand over the grill for 4-5 seconds, the grill is medium hot. If you have to move your hand in 2-3 seconds, you should turn down the temperature.

There is debate over whether to oil the grill or oil the fish. If you decide to oil the grill, you can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and a pair of tongs to lightly coat the grill prior to adding the salmon.

There are multiple ways to prepare salmon for grilling, ranging from the very simple (a little salt and pepper and some olive oil) to the more complicated (fennel and dill rubbed salmon).

1. If you have a whole fish to fillet, see Mahalo's guide to How to Fillet Salmon.
2. Everyone likes to use a different preparation for grilling salmon. The simplest way is to brush it with olive oil, keep the skin on and add a little salt and pepper.
3. You can also try applying mayonnaise to one side before placing on the grill.
4. For a slightly more involved marinade, try whisking together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, a half a teaspoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of mustard. Brush the marinade on top of the fish (skin side down) before placing the salmon on the grill. When your salmon is finished grilling, pour the remainder of the marinade on top. This is enough marinade for three pounds of salmon, or 5-6 servings.http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_31605,00.html
5. Note: Be sure to leave enough time to marinate the fish if your recipe calls for it.

In just few minutes, your salmon will be ready.

1. Grill the salmon for about 4 minutes per side. Only cover the grill if you have a gas grill, but you don't need to do so.
2. Don't constantly fuss with the salmon; set a timer and remove salmon when it goes off. Just be sure you're close by so you can take it off the grill promptly.
3. Do not overcook! When you remove your salmon fillets from the grill, they will continue to cook a little as they sit, so they should look a little raw inside upon removal from the grill.
4. To test for doneness, touch the fish: if it's "squishy," it's not done, but if it's firm with some give, it is medium rare, the recommended doneness for salmon.

All is not lost if you don't own a fancy grill.

1. You can use a grill pan indoors to recreate the grilled texture you're going for.
2. Heat grill pan over moderately high heat. You'll want your pan to be hot but not smoking.
3. Cooking times may vary slightly, however, when using this method, so keep an eye on your salmon.