How to Grill a Salmon on a Gas Grill

Grilling salmon fillets is an excellent method of serving a healthy meal. Learn how to grill a salmon on a gas grill, and enjoy its perfectly grilled taste.

Salmon is a delicacy for all fish lovers. Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, it is also a healthy choice for people who have high cholesterol or other heart problems. As per individual preferences, salmon can be smoked, grilled, baked, broiled, poached, or fried. Whichever method you choose for preparing salmon, it tastes delicious. Among the different ways of cooking it, most people prefer grilling salmon, as it takes less time and retains much of its flavor. All you need is a suitable marinade or rub, and grill it for the correct time.

Cooking Salmon on a Gas Grill

For grilling tasty salmon, you should purchase fresh fillets that are firm, light pink in color, and have smooth cuts. Avoid buying fishy smelling fillets or steaks that indicate old cuts. Also, do not forget to ask the fishmonger to retain skin on the fillets, so that they do not stick to the grill or break apart while cooking. If you are not cooking the salmon right away, refrigerate it until required. Mentioned below are some simple steps on cooking salmon on a gas grill with foil.

• The first step is to prepare the grill properly. If you have not used it for a long time, consider cleaning it first with a metal brush, and apply oil to reduce sticking. Then, preheat the gas grill at a high setting.
• As far as wrapping the rack with aluminum foil is concerned, it is optional for grilling salmon. However, if you are using a foil, you do not need to oil the grill. Instead, spray the oil on the aluminum foil before you place the fillets over it.

• In the meantime, you can prepare the salmon fillets by brushing them with your favored dry rub or marinade. For any fish recipe, do not marinate the pieces for a long time, or else, the flesh will lose its firmness and flavor.
• The next step is estimating the correct cooking time according to the thickness of the fillets. A half-inch thick fillet requires about 4 minutes of grilling; that is, 2 minutes per side.

• As soon as the gas grill is ready, adjust it again to low heat setting. With the skin side up, place the marinated fillets over the grill, and close the lid for cooking. Retain the lid until one side of the fillet is cooked properly.
• When the cut side is cooked for the estimated time (4 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets), open the lid, and flip the fillets carefully with a thin spatula. If desired, rub the cooked side with olive oil or butter.

• Cover the lid again, and cook the other side for the predicted time. Once the cooking time is reached, remove the cooked salmon from the gas grill, and allow it to cool down slightly.
• Your grilled salmon recipe will be done when it starts flaking easily. To check, insert a metal skewer in the thickest part of the fillets and pull a little. Well cooked fillets appear opaque with a tender and flaky textured meat. Work with the spatula to separate the skin from the meat.

Remember that while grilling a salmon on a gas grill, do not overcook it. Also remember that frequent turning will tear the flesh. With practice, you will be able to make grilled salmon like a professional. You can try different marinade or rub recipes to alter the flavor of your grilled salmon. Serve it with a spicy sauce and boiled red potatoes for an excellent meal.

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