Sizzling King Salmon Recipe: Royal Feast from the Grill

When summer sizzles and seafood cravings hit, this succulent grilled king salmon recipe delivers pure coastal magic.

Fresh Pacific king salmon transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The rich, buttery fish pairs beautifully with a zesty marinade that enhances its natural flavors.

Each tender fillet promises a mouthwatering blend of smoky char and delicate salmon essence.

Perfectly grilled salmon requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Simple techniques unlock incredible taste potential with this restaurant-worthy dish.

Fire up the grill and savor every memorable bite of this seafood sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Needed For Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• King Salmon: Rich, buttery fish that grills beautifully with delicate flavor and smooth texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere and creates a protective layer to prevent drying during grilling.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that highlight salmon's natural richness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertones that complement grilled profile.
• Oregano: Provides earthy Mediterranean herb notes that pair wonderfully with seafood.

• Lemon: Bright, acidic element that cuts through fish's richness and adds fresh zest.
• Fresh Parsley or Dill: Vibrant herbs that bring color and light herbaceous freshness.
• Melted Butter: Creates luxurious coating with rich, smooth mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Intensifies butter sauce with pungent, warm complexity.
• Honey: Balances butter's richness with subtle sweetness and helps create golden glaze.

Tools To Grill Grilled King Salmon Recipe Perfectly

• Grill: Essential for achieving perfect salmon with smoky char marks.
• Tongs: Helps flip and move salmon safely on hot grates.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing garlic butter sauce.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying butter sauce evenly.
• Paper towels: Great for patting salmon dry before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Sharp knife: Useful for preparing lemon wedges and garnish.
• Meat thermometer: Critical for checking salmon's internal temperature.

How To Make Grilled King Salmon Recipe Easy

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your outdoor cooker to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F. Brush the cooking grates with oil to keep your gorgeous salmon from sticking.

• Dress the Fish

Gently dry the salmon with a clean cloth. Massage a light coating of olive oil all over the fillet. Sprinkle a bold blend of seasoning – think salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoky paprika, and crumbly oregano. Give it a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

• Cooking Magic

Place the salmon skin-facing down on the hot grill. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the inner temperature hits 125-130F for that perfect medium tenderness. Want a little extra char? Flip carefully in the final moments for a quick sear on the flesh side.

• Bonus Flavor Boost

Whip up a quick sauce by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, a splash of lemon, and a touch of honey. Brush this liquid gold over the salmon just before serving for an extra flavor punch.

• Plate and Celebrate

Pull your succulent salmon off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Scatter some fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top. Serve with lemon wedges and prepare for a mouthwatering seafood feast.

Tips For Juicy Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• Salmon Grilling Mastery: Expert Tips and Delicious Twists
• Fresh Fish Selection: Choose thick, vibrant king salmon fillets with firm, bright-colored flesh and minimal odor for the best grilling experience.
• Skin-On Perfection: Keep the salmon skin on while grilling to protect the delicate meat and create a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining the salmon's succulent texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace oregano with fresh thyme or rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the rich salmon.
• Dietary-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sauce, or use coconut aminos instead of honey for a lower-sugar option that still delivers amazing flavor.

Ways To Serve Grilled King Salmon Recipe Light

• Ocean-Fresh Plate Partners: Pair this grilled salmon with herbed quinoa or wild rice for a nutritious base that complements the fish's rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Style Platter: Arrange the salmon alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
• Bright Citrus Companions: Serve with a crisp cucumber-dill salad or a tangy citrus slaw to balance the salmon's robust taste and add refreshing texture to the meal.
• Elegant Wine Pairing: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that enhances the delicate salmon and cuts through its natural richness.

Smart Storage For Grilled King Salmon Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm salmon in a preheated oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the delicate fish and compromise texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve quality and flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra salmon during cooking to create versatile leftovers. Flake cold salmon into salads, mix into pasta, or create salmon patties for quick and delicious next-day meals that reduce food waste and save time.

Succulent Grilled King Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled king salmon celebrates Pacific Northwest culinary traditions with a delicate herb marinade. Fresh ingredients and precise grilling techniques deliver a memorable seafood experience you will savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) king salmon fillet (skin-on for best results)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp honey (optional, for balance)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (375-400F) with clean, well-oiled grates to prevent salmon from sticking.
2. Salmon Preparation: Thoroughly dry salmon fillet with paper towels, creating an optimal surface for seasoning and grilling.
3. Seasoning Technique: Drizzle olive oil across the salmon, massaging a robust blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano into the flesh. Enhance brightness with a fresh lemon juice squeeze.
4. Grilling Process: Carefully place salmon skin-side down on the grill, covering and cooking undisturbed for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125-130F. Optionally rotate during final two minutes to create light charring.
5. Garlic Butter Accent: While salmon grills, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, a touch of lemon juice, and honey to create a complementary sauce.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove salmon from heat and rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Brush with optional garlic butter sauce, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat salmon thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring a crisp exterior and preventing steaming during grilling.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 125-130F for perfect medium doneness without overcooking.
• Skin Protection: Grill salmon skin-side down initially to create a protective barrier, preventing delicate flesh from direct heat and maintaining moisture.
• Flavor Enhancement: Massage seasonings gently into the fish to maximize spice absorption and create a more intense, well-distributed flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg