King Salmon Recipe: How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon

Introduction

Frustrated by dry, flavorless salmon that falls apart on your grill? You’re not alone. This king salmon recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky exterior and moist, buttery interior that will make your family think they’re dining at a high-end seafood restaurant. The simple marinade and precise grilling technique ensure that every bite of this magnificent fish practically melts in your mouth while highlighting its natural richness. As a chef who’s specialized in Pacific Northwest seafood for over a decade, I’ve perfected this method through countless summer barbecues and professional kitchen services. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to select the freshest king salmon, prepare it properly, master the grilling technique, and serve it with complementary sides that elevate the entire dining experience.

Why This King Salmon Recipe Works

• Showcases the natural buttery flavor of king salmon without overwhelming it
• Requires just 15 minutes of marinating time for maximum flavor penetration
• Uses a foolproof grilling technique that prevents sticking and falling apart
• Creates a perfectly caramelized exterior while maintaining a moist, tender interior
• Works equally well for casual weeknight dinners or impressive weekend entertaining
• Allows for easy scaling up or down depending on your guest count

Choosing the Right Salmon for your King Salmon Recipe

Best Cuts for This

King salmon (also known as Chinook salmon) is the premium choice for this grilling recipe due to its high oil content and rich flavor profile. Center-cut portions with the skin on are ideal, as they cook evenly and the skin helps prevent the fish from falling apart on the grill. Look for pieces that are uniform in thickness (ideally 1-1.5 inches) to ensure consistent cooking.

Buying Tips

Fresh king salmon should have a clean, ocean-like smell (never fishy), firm flesh that springs back when pressed, and bright, moist skin. The flesh should be deep red-orange in color and marbled with white lines of fat. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), wild-caught Alaskan king salmon is typically available from May through September, with peak season in June and July.

If you can’t find fresh king salmon, many fishmongers offer flash-frozen wild-caught options that preserve the quality exceptionally well. Simply thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Substitutions

While this recipe is optimized for king salmon, you can substitute other rich, oily salmon varieties like sockeye or coho, though they may require slightly adjusted cooking times due to their typically thinner fillets. Atlantic salmon, while more readily available, has a milder flavor and different texture but will still work with this recipe—just be aware the end result will be slightly different from the buttery richness of king salmon.

King Salmon Recipe : Ingredients & Prep

King Salmon Recipe Prep Essentials

• Remove the salmon from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off
• Check for pin bones by running your fingers along the flesh and remove any with fish tweezers
• Pat the salmon thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure proper caramelization
• Leave the skin on to protect the delicate flesh during grilling

Marinade Components

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Place the salmon in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes (no longer, as the acid in the lemon juice will begin to “cook” the fish).

Pantry Staples

• Cooking oil spray for the grill grates
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh herbs for garnish (dill, parsley, or chives)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for the King Salmon Recipe

King Salmon Recipe : Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F)
2. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and oil them well to prevent sticking
3. Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry with paper towels
4. Season again lightly with salt and pepper

King Salmon Recipe : Cooking Method

1. Place the salmon skin-side down on the preheated grill
2. Close the lid and cook for 4-6 minutes without moving the fish
3. Check that the skin is crisp and the salmon releases easily from the grate
4. For thicker fillets: carefully flip the salmon using a wide fish spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes with the lid closed
5. For thinner fillets: you may not need to flip at all, just cook skin-side down until done

Doneness Check

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium. The flesh should be slightly translucent in the center and flake easily with a fork when gentle pressure is applied.

According to the FDA food safety guidelines, seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. However, many culinary professionals prefer cooking salmon to a lower temperature to preserve its moisture and texture. If you prefer fully cooked salmon or are serving individuals with compromised immune systems, cook to the FDA-recommended temperature.

Resting

Allow the salmon to rest on a warm plate for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief rest permits the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring moist, tender results. During this time, you can prepare any final garnishes or sides.

Pro Tips for Perfect King Salmon Recipe

Avoiding Tough/Dry Salmon

• Don’t overcook! Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the heat
• Use a reliable instant-read thermometer rather than relying on appearance alone
• Cook skin-side down for most of the cooking time to protect the delicate flesh
• For very thick fillets, consider using the “foil packet” method to retain moisture

Tool Recommendations

• Wide fish spatula for easy flipping without breaking the fillets
• Instant-read digital thermometer for precise temperature monitoring
• Cedar planks for an alternative grilling method that adds amazing flavor
• Grill basket if you’re concerned about the salmon sticking or falling apart

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Enjoy cold leftover salmon in salads or sandwiches for the best texture
• If reheating is necessary, do so gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through
• Avoid microwaving, which can give salmon a strong fishy flavor and rubbery texture

Flavor Variations

Spicy Twist

Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick that complements the rich salmon. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds both color and a subtle heat.

Keto/Paleo

This recipe is naturally keto and paleo-friendly! For an even more keto-friendly option, increase the olive oil to 4 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the marinade for extra richness and fat content.

Global Flavors

• Asian-inspired: Replace the dill with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Mediterranean: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of chopped kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon of capers
• Cajun: Rub the salmon with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning before grilling for a spicy Southern twist

For more delicious salmon recipe ideas, check out our complete salmon recipe collection where you’ll find everything from simple baked preparations to elaborate special occasion dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled king salmon pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that complement its rich flavor. Try serving it with:

• Lemon herb quinoa or wild rice pilaf
• Grilled asparagus or zucchini
• Fresh summer salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Roasted fingerling potatoes with fresh herbs
• Crisp cucumber and dill salad

For wine pairings, opt for crisp whites like Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay that won’t overpower the salmon’s delicate flavor. If you prefer red wine, light-bodied options like Pinot Noir or Gamay complement the richness of king salmon beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen king salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight (never at room temperature) and pat it very dry before marinating. Frozen salmon often releases more moisture during cooking, so you may need to adjust grilling times slightly.

How do I fix overcooked salmon?

If you’ve accidentally overcooked your salmon, all is not lost! Flake it and mix with a bit of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to create a delicious salmon salad. Alternatively, break it into chunks and gently fold into a creamy pasta dish where the sauce will help mask any dryness.

Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?

Yes, when cooked to the FDA-recommended internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Pregnant women should avoid consuming undercooked seafood, so use a reliable thermometer to ensure proper cooking. The grilling method in this recipe can easily achieve this temperature while still maintaining good moisture.

Conclusion

Fire up your grill and transform your dinner tonight with this spectacular king salmon recipe! The combination of simple, fresh ingredients and proper grilling technique showcases the natural luxury of this magnificent fish without complicated preparations or exotic ingredients. Join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to salmon recipe for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Once you’ve mastered this technique, expand your seafood repertoire with our smoked salmon recipes for another delicious way to enjoy this incredible fish.