There is no better taste than a well-cooked grilled salmon. It is a smoky, juicy and simple recipe of garlic salmon. Both beginners and experts will find this guide useful in ensuring that you grill right. It is a simple technique, and the outcome is a flaky and tender grilled salmon with a garlic explosion in it.
Through this blog, you will find out how to make the best grilled salmon with a simple marinade and refined seasoning. We discuss grilling rules, the cost of salmon, grill temperature, and even we discuss how to grill salmon on foil and clean easily. And we also give you the tools you will be using and provide general answers to some of the frequently asked questions to ensure that you master this delicious recipe.
Ingredients for Grilled Garlic Salmon

- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on, center-cut)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional for garnish)
Tools Used
Using the right tools helps make grilling easier and cleaner. Here are some useful items (linked to Amazon):
- Grill brush – for cleaning grates
- Fish spatula – for flipping delicate fish
- Tongs – for safe handling
- Cedar plank – optional for smoky flavor
- Meat thermometer – to check doneness
These are simple tools to use, and you may already have some at home.
Preparing the Marinade
In this recipe, we use a simple grilled salmon marinade. Begin with minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice, mixing in a bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper to harmonize the flavors. It is one of the most suitable marinades for salmon because the natural flavor is emphasized in this marinade and is not overwhelmed. The garlic is a good source of aroma, whereas the lemon juice provides a nice touch that is a good match to the salmon.
Let the salmon fillets marinate for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors absorb into the fish. Store the fish in the fridge in the meantime. The lemon juice should not be marinated for more than two hours because the acid of the lemon juice may destroy the texture of the fish, making it mushy. This is to aid in keeping your grilled salmon tender and juicy.
Preparing the Grill
Wipe the grates and then grill the salmon. A clean grill allows there to be no sticking and also allows the perfect grill marks to be attained. Turn on your grill and set it to medium-high salmon grill temperature, approximately 400 °C. This is the optimum temperature that will cook the salmon without scalding the outside. It gives a pleasant scent and traps moisture.
After the grill is hot enough, brush or dip a piece of paper towel in oil and lightly brush the grates with it. It is an easy thing that prevents the salmon from being grilled. Preparing the grill properly also helps to make the fish easier to flip and the gorgeous skin enjoyed by many people crispy.
Grilling the Salmon
Removed the salmon from the refrigerator and grilled it for about 10 minutes beforehand. This enables it to reach a room temperature and cook more evenly. Fish put on the hot grill directly can cook unevenly and are more likely to stick. Salmon at room temperature assists you in attaining a tender and juicy product.
First, put the salmon on the grill with the skin side down. Do not move it until the skin is crisped and the fish falls off the grates. This normally consumes approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Turn with a fish spatula and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Measure the temperature inside; an ideal grill temperature for a salmon grill is 125°F. Once grilled, rest it for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Seasoning Tips
- Add plain spices to grilled salmon, such as black pepper and paprika.
- Zest lemon or sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Select a nice marinade of grilled salmon or prepare your own.
- You do not need a lot of salt when all your grilled salmon marinade contains salt.
- Drizzle a little grilled salmon sauce at the end.
- These additives make salmon the best on the grill or grilled salmon on foil.
Final Thoughts
This salmon grill with a lot of garlic is simple, fast, and one that cooks of all competencies will like. Through the right preparation, equipment, and technique, you can have tender, juicy, and flavorful salmon every time. The plain garlic marinade is a perfect match to the grilled taste of the Smokingrills.
Grill and concentrate on good ingredients. You should regularly monitor the salmon grill temperature to prevent overcooking. This grilled salmon will contribute to the great taste and great outlook to the family and friends who choose foil or grill on the grates.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it fully before cooking. Pat it dry for better results.
2. How long should I grill the salmon?
About 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
3. Can I grill salmon on foil?
Yes. The grilled salmon on foil method makes cleanup easy, but the skin won’t get crisp.
4. What is the best marinade for salmon?
Garlic, olive oil, and lemon make the best marinade for salmon. It’s simple and full of flavor.
5. What tempERATURE should grilled salmon be?
The perfect salmon grill temp is 125°F for medium-rare. Use a thermometer for best results.
