The Perfect Crispy Skin Grilled Salmon

Enjoy the nice weather, soak up the sun, and have an easy meal so you can relax with your family. Grilled salmon with crispy skin and potato salad is an easy and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. This effortless seafood recipe can easily be scaled up for large family gatherings and get-togethers.

The Secret to Crispy Skin Grilled Salmon

The secret to achieving that perfect, crispy skin on your salmon lies in a few key steps. First, always start with skin-on salmon. The skin provides delightful crispiness and is packed with flavor and nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

Next, ensure your salmon skin is dry before you start cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel because moisture is the enemy of crispiness. High heat is another crucial factor. Whether you're grilling or cooking in the oven, a high temperature helps to crisp up the skin.

Lastly, don't forget to season your salmon. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper can enhance the flavor without overpowering the fish.

Sourcing the Best Salmon

For the best results, source your salmon from Fish For Skeptics. We offer the best responsibly sourced salmon from land-based aquaculture farms only. This ensures a high-quality, sustainable product that’s both tasty and eco-friendly.

Ingredients You'll Need

Serves 2

• 12oz Salmon, skin on
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• Lemon slices and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, oregano, or thyme for garnish

Preparing Your Salmon for the Grill

Before you start grilling, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare your salmon. First, place the fish in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. When thawed, pat the fish completely dry.

Make sure your salmon is at room temperature for even cooking. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to achieve a crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and generously brush the skin side with olive oil. Grate lemon zest over the flesh side for an added burst of flavor.

Grilling to Perfection: Techniques and Tips

Heat your grill to medium/high (400°F) and ensure the griddle is clean and well-greased. Place the fish skin side down on the grill for 9-10 minutes. This will result in super crispy skin and moist medium/rare fish.

Serve skin side up to maintain the crispness. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, oregano, or thyme if desired.

Grilled Salmon in Foil

Grilling salmon in foil is another great way to retain moisture while still achieving crispy skin. Simply place your seasoned salmon on a piece of foil, then fold the edges to create a packet. Cook the salmon on the grill, skin side down, for about 10-12 minutes. Then, open the foil and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Pellet Grill Salmon for Smoky Flavor

If you have a pellet grill, you’re in for a treat. Pellet grills can give your salmon a wonderful smoky flavor. Preheat your pellet grill, then place your salmon skin side down and let it cook undisturbed. The salmon will cook just as fast as on a normal grill, but the skin will be smoky and crispy, making it extra tasty.

Finishing Touches: Resting and Serving

Once your salmon is cooked to perfection, let it rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful fish. Serve your crispy skin salmon with your favorite sides. Whether it’s a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy risotto, the options are endless.

Make-Ahead Potato Salad

To complement your grilled salmon, prepare a make-ahead potato salad. Boil the potatoes 1-2 days ahead so they are completely cold when the salad is assembled. Toss the potatoes with dressing up to 8 hours before serving.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz potatoes
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Green apple, cut into cubes
• 1 bunch radishes, shaved thin
• Chives, minced

Instructions:

1. Peel and cut potatoes into same-sized pieces. Cook in salty water until soft (about 8 minutes, varies based on size). Drain and cool before using.
2. Stir together sour cream, olive oil, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss the cold potatoes, apples, and radishes with the dressing. Garnish with chives.

Nutritional Benefits and Calorie Count

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. It’s a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Most notably, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health.

The calories for grilled salmon are typically around 200-250 per serving. This makes it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown for a 12 oz serving of grilled salmon:

• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Calories: 206

Eating different kinds of seafood, such as crispy skin salmon, is tasty and good for your health.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Why is my salmon skin not getting crispy?

The key to crispy skin is dryness. Make sure to pat your salmon dry before cooking. Also, don't flip the salmon too soon. Let it cook undisturbed to achieve that perfect crispiness.

Can I eat the skin of the salmon?

Absolutely! The skin is packed with flavor and gets wonderfully crispy when cooked right. Just make sure it's been scaled before cooking.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can also achieve crispy skin salmon in the oven or on the stovetop using a cast-iron skillet.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

My salmon is sticking to the grill. What can I do?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Also, resist the urge to move the salmon too soon. It will release from the grill when it’s ready.