Salmon is the ultimate grill hero—rich in omega-3s, tender enough to cook quickly, yet sturdy enough to handle bold marinades and smoky heat. Whether you’re firing up coals or clicking the gas ignition, these seven BBQ salmon recipes deliver variety without fuss. Each option includes a flavor profile, key ingredients, and a quick game plan so you can spend less time scrolling and more time sizzling.
1. Classic Cedar-Plank Maple-Mustard Salmon
Vibe: Sweet–savory with gentle wood smoke
Why it works: The cedar plank infuses aroma and prevents sticking.
| What You Need (Serves 4) | Quick Steps |
|---|---|
| 1 ¼–1 ½ lb salmon fillet | 1. Soak cedar plank in water 1 hour. |
| 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup | 2. Whisk glaze: maple + 1 Tbsp Dijon + 1 tsp soy sauce. |
| 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard | 3. Pat fish dry; brush glaze; place on plank. |
| 1 tsp soy sauce | 4. Grill over medium (lid closed) 12–15 min until center just flakes. |
Pro tip: Re-use the plank—scrub, air-dry, and store in a cool spot.
2. Chili-Lime Foil-Packet Salmon & Veggies
Vibe: Zesty, fuss-free, weeknight-easy
Why it works: Foil steams fish and sides together—minimal cleanup.
-
Marinade (per packet): Juice + zest of ½ lime, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp chili powder, pinch salt.
-
Layer on foil: salmon portion + sliced zucchini & bell pepper.
-
Seal foil, grill indirect heat 12 min. Open, garnish with cilantro.
3. Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon Skewers
Vibe: Tropical party on a stick
Why it works: Small cubes cook fast; charred pineapple caramelizes.
-
Cube salmon into 1 ½-inch pieces; thread alternating with pineapple chunks.
-
Brush with quick teriyaki (¼ cup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 tsp ginger).
-
Grill high heat 2–3 min per side. Finish with sesame seeds.
4. Herb-Garlic Butter “Steak-Style” Salmon
Vibe: Rosemary & thyme meet smoky char—think surf & turf re-imagined
Why it works: Basting keeps the surface luscious.
-
Season thick salmon steaks with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.
-
Grill medium-high 4 min; flip.
-
Immediately baste with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme.
-
Cook 3 min more (125 °F internal for medium).
Serve alongside grilled asparagus.
5. Miso-Sriracha Glazed Salmon Sandwiches
Vibe: Umami heat on a brioche bun
Why it works: Fermented miso caramelizes, locking in moisture.
| Glaze | Build |
|---|---|
| 1 Tbsp white miso | Toasted brioche bun |
| 1 Tbsp honey | Leafy lettuce |
| 1 tsp Sriracha | Miso-glazed salmon fillet |
| 1 tsp rice vinegar | Quick pickled cukes & red onion |
Grill glazed fillets 4–5 min per side over medium heat, then assemble stacks.
6. Moroccan Spice Rub with Yogurt Mint Sauce
Vibe: Warm spices, cool drizzle
Why it works: Dry rub forms a fragrant crust; yogurt tames the heat.
-
Rub (per pound): 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp coriander, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt.
-
Coat salmon; rest 10 min.
-
Grill skin-side down first (medium heat) 5 min, flip 3 min.
-
Sauce: Stir ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp chopped mint, squeeze of lemon, pinch salt. Serve dolloped over fillets.
7. Blackened Cajun Salmon Tacos
Vibe: Smoky-spicy flakes tucked into warm tortillas
Why it works: Cast-iron skillet on the grill equals restaurant-level crust.
-
Preheat a small cast-iron pan on the grill grate.
-
Coat salmon portions with Cajun seasoning + 1 Tbsp oil.
-
Sear in hot skillet 3 min per side.
-
Flake into corn tortillas; top with avocado, lime crema, and shredded cabbage.
Final Flip
With these seven recipes in your back pocket, boring barbecue salmon is officially a thing of the past. Swap glazes or play mix-and-match with sides—grilled corn, citrusy slaw, or herbed couscous all pair beautifully. Fire up the grill, trust your thermometer, and enjoy wild (or responsibly farmed) salmon at its smoky, summery best. Happy grilling!
