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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Grill Preparation: Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (375-400F) with clean, well-oiled grates to prevent salmon from sticking.
- Salmon Preparation: Thoroughly dry salmon fillet with paper towels, creating an optimal surface for seasoning and grilling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garlic Butter Accent: While salmon grills, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, a touch of lemon juice, and honey to create a complementary sauce.
- 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