Salmon is an easy, quick meal to make on the grill — perfect for a healthy dinner or for lunch during a busy week. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook it perfectly every time.
The first tip is to choose a good quality fish, which can be found in your local grocery store. Try to get wild-caught salmon; it is often the best and most sustainable. It should have a firm, full texture and smell fresh, but not fishy.
Next, find a fish with the skin still on it to prevent it from drying out on the grill. This will keep it extra flavorful and make it easier to grill.
When using a skin-on fillet, brush each side with olive oil before placing on the grill. Once the fish is on the grill, turn it over and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and it releases easily from the grates. Then, flip it to another clean oiled part of the grill and cook for about 3 minutes more.
You can also cook it on foil, which helps keep the fish moist and tender without it drying out. Just make sure to use a piece of foil that is large enough to fully wrap around the fish, with plenty of overhang on all sides so it can form a packet.
If you’re using a foil packet, you may need to let the salmon sit for a while to heat up before grilling, but you can always pierce it with a fork or skewer so the steam can escape.
This step will ensure that the foil doesn’t burn and will keep the salmon from sticking to the grill as it cooks. Just be careful not to overcook it or you will have a dry, sad, stuck-on piece of salmon.
One last tip is to check the fish regularly during grilling — this will allow you to determine when it’s cooked through. The temperature of the flesh should reach 140 degrees on an instant-read thermometer; as soon as it reaches this point, it is ready to eat. If the fish isn’t done, simply remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Then, cut a small slice with the tip of a paring knife into the middle of the filet to peek inside and gauge whether it’s still slightly underdone or fully cooked. Once you’ve grilled to the desired degree, place the fillet on a serving platter and garnish with lemon slices or avocado slices.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy diet. It’s also low in calories and fat, so it can be an ideal choice for anyone trying to lose weight. It’s high in protein, which can help you stay fuller and prevent overeating.