Grilled King Salmon Recipe

This Grilled King Salmon is rich, buttery, and perfectly cooked with a smoky char from the grill. With simple seasonings and fresh ingredients, this recipe highlights the natural flavors of wild-caught King salmon, making it a perfect dish for a light and healthy meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful – King salmon is known for its buttery texture and deep flavor.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
• Perfect for Summer – Light, fresh, and ideal for outdoor grilling.
• Customizable – Works with different marinades, rubs, and sauces.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

• 2 lbs King salmon fillet (skin-on for best grilling results)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional):

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (for depth)
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)

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Directions

1. Preheat the Grill

• Heat the grill to medium-high heat (400-425°F).
• Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

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2. Season the Salmon

• Pat the King salmon fillet dry with paper towels.
• Brush with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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3. Grill the Salmon

• Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill grates.
• Close the lid and grill for 4-5 minutes, depending on thickness.
• Carefully flip (or cook without flipping) and grill for another 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F (medium-rare) or 140°F (medium).

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4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional)

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
• Stir in lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.
• Drizzle over the grilled salmon before serving.

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5. Serve & Enjoy

• Remove salmon from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.
• Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

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Variations

• Spicy Grilled Salmon – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Teriyaki Glazed Salmon – Brush with a teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
• Mediterranean Style – Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
• Honey Garlic Salmon – Glaze with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Smoky Cedar Plank Salmon – Grill the salmon on a soaked cedar plank for extra smoky flavor.

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Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 275°F for 10-12 minutes until warm.
  • Skillet – Heat over low with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes.
  • Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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FAQs

What’s the best way to prevent salmon from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates well and cook skin-side down to help prevent sticking.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The flesh should be opaque and flaky, and the internal temperature should be 125-130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.

Can I use farmed salmon instead of King salmon?

Yes! But wild-caught King salmon has a richer flavor and firmer texture.

Should I remove the skin before grilling?

No! The skin helps keep the fish together and adds extra flavor when grilled.

Can I grill salmon in foil instead?

Yes! Wrapping it in foil helps keep it moist, but you won’t get the same crispy char.

What’s the best wood for smoking King salmon?

Alder, cherry, or maple wood chips add great mild smoky flavor.

Can I make this in a pan instead of a grill?

Yes! Cook in a hot cast-iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.

What side dishes pair well with grilled salmon?

Try grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw completely in the fridge before grilling for best results.

How do I make the salmon extra juicy?

Don’t overcook it, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.

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Conclusion

This Grilled King Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for summer grilling or a healthy weeknight dinner. With its buttery texture and smoky, charred flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for seafood lovers. Fire up the grill and enjoy restaurant-quality salmon at home!

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