Once you experience the deliciousness of grilled wild salmon, you’ll find yourself craving fresh seafood all year round. The good news is that there are plenty of other recipes for wild-caught salmon that will fill your table with omega-3s and amazing flavors. Elevate your spread with a sophisticated Salmon Nicoise Salad or indulge in the creamy Thai taste of Salmon Coconut Soup. With these easy fish recipes, you can’t go wrong!
Essential Ingredients
To make this smoky grilled sockeye salmon recipe, you only need two sets of simple ingredients—fish and seasoning.
For the fish:
- Fresh, wild Alaskan sockeye salmon: A whole salmon fillet is my preferred choice for this recipe, but you can also use pre-cut fillets for convenience. Red salmon is typically in season from May through July. However, if you want to enjoy this dish out-of-season or don’t have access to fresh salmon, frozen sockeye salmon fillets will work as well. Just make sure to fully thaw them before grilling.
For the seasoning:
I use a basic seasoning mixture to enhance the flavor of the sockeye salmon on the grill. Pacific salmon is already delicious on its own, so a few pantry staples will take it to the next level.
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic or garlic powder (optional): Adding garlic will lend a bold, smoky undertone to your grilled sockeye salmon. Sprinkle it on top of your fillets or mix it into the seasoning before brushing the fish. Keep in mind that fresh minced garlic can burn over high heat, resulting in slightly charred notes in the seasoning.
- Fresh herbs: I love using fresh dill as a garnish, but feel free to use any fresh herbs you have on hand.
- Lemon slices: Serve your grilled salmon with fresh lemon slices or grill them for added char and grill marks.
How to Grill Sockeye Salmon on a Gas Grill?
This grilled sockeye salmon recipe is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals. With this straightforward guide, you’ll enjoy tender and flavorful grilled fillets in under ten minutes.
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Prepare the grill: Preheat the gas grill to 350 degrees F.
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Dry the fillet: Use a paper towel to pat dry both sides of the salmon.
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Mix the seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Brush the salmon: Brush both sides of the salmon fillet with the olive oil mixture.
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Clean the grill: Scrape the grill grates with a wire grill brush to remove any leftover food residue. Generously coat the grates with oil by dipping a wad of paper towel in a bowl of oil and wiping it onto the grates.
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Grill the salmon: Place the sockeye salmon on the grill, skin side down. Cook the fish uncovered for three minutes or until it easily releases from the grates when lifted with a spatula.
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Flip the fillet: Use two spatulas to carefully flip the salmon. Grill for an additional three minutes.
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Let the fish rest: Transfer the grilled wild salmon onto a plate and loosely cover it with aluminum foil for a few minutes.
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Serve: If desired, drizzle the top of the salmon with lemon juice and garnish with fresh dill. Enjoy while still warm.
What to Serve With Grilled Alaskan Salmon?
Grilling sockeye salmon opens up a world of diverse and smoky meals throughout the summer. Pair this heart-healthy dish with tasty sides that complement its flavors.
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Grilled vegetables: Almost any vegetable works well as a side dish when grilling wild salmon. Consider serving this fish recipe with grilled asparagus, grilled zucchini, or the creamy and flavorful Mexican Street Corn.
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Salsa and sauces: Elevate the flavor of your simply grilled salmon by adding a sauce. Classic choices include Grilled Salmon with Pineapple Salsa for a summertime barbecue or a rich and robust Garlic Butter Sauce that adds depth and richness to each bite.
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Salads: Pair your red sockeye salmon with tangy and crisp selections like Yogurt Cucumber Salad or Mayo-Free Coleslaw, which is healthy and perfect for serving a crowd.
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Potatoes: For a classic potato salad, try Red Potato Salad, which combines savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. Or, add a gourmet twist with Caper Potato Salad, offering a mix of briny pickles, robust mustard, and tender potatoes.
FAQs
Do you have more questions about cooking Alaska salmon? This hassle-free guide will answer all your queries, from salmon preparation to grilling time.
Other Grilled Seafood Recipes You Might Like
If you’re tempted to enjoy grilled salmon every night, these other grilled fish dishes will satisfy your seafood cravings with their moist, fresh, and vibrant flavors.
- Shrimp Vegetable Kabobs
- Grilled Mahi Mahi
- Shrimp Skewers
If you try this Grilled Sockeye Salmon recipe or any other recipe from Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It will be incredibly helpful to others who are considering making the dish. And if you take any pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can feature them on my stories.