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    Home » Recipes » Easy Main Dish Recipes

    Jun 30, 2022 · Modified: May 25, 2023 by Andrea· This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Simple Grilled Salmon with Spice Rub

    Jump to Recipe

    This Grilled Salmon Recipe is so simple you can whip it together any night of the week! Make a big batch of BBQ Spice Rub so it's ready to go anytime you need it. It's the perfect seasoning for just about anything you want to throw on the grill.

    grilled salmon fillets on a white plate with a side of sauce.

    With this recipe you will master salmon on the grill! If you want to master other salmon cooking techniques check out my recipes for Crispy Pan Seared Salmon and Roasted Salmon. Or check out these Grilled Chicken Thighs, Grilled Shrimp and Corn, and BBQ Grilled Pork Chops for more grilling inspiration.

    Impress your guests and serve this Spice Rubbed Salmon with an Omelette with Zucchini and Onion, Baked Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan or Cauliflower with Onions.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Easy to make: The simplicity of the recipe makes it a perfect choice for any skill level or if you have any time constraints.
    • Perfect for entertaining: If you're having dinner guests this recipe can be an impressive choice leaving you time to hang out with your friends.
    • Healthy option: Salmon is a nutritious protein choice, and grilling helps minimize the need for excessive oil or butter. It can be an ideal dish if you are looking for a balanced and healthy diet.
    • It's quick to prepare: Salmon cooks quickly on the grill. This makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • 🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
    • 🔪How to Make This Recipe
    • Pro-Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What to serve with grilled salmon
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🥘Ingredients and Substitutions

    all ingredients needed to make this recipe with labels.
    • Salmon fillets - You can use skinless salmon if you prefer. This recipe works with any firm fleshed fish that is fit for grilling such as halibut, trout, red snapper and mahi-mahi.
    • BBQ spice rub - you can switch up the spices quite a bit to suit your liking. Make it sweeter by adding more sugar, reduce the spiciness by omitting the cayenne or add more to kick it up! You can also add dried herbs like thyme or basil. Play around with it and make it your own!
    • Garlic and Herb Sauce - I like to use a combination of plain yogurt and mayonnaise for most of my creamy dressings and sauces but you can replace those with sour cream or a non-dairy alternative. You can also omit the mayonnaise and go with 100% yogurt.
    • Fresh Herbs - Switch up the herbs to suit your own taste. Do a combination or use only one. You can even omit the herbs, add a bit more lemon juice for a lemon garlic sauce. Don't have fresh herbs? No problem! Replace 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for 1 teaspoon dried.
    • If you're looking for a different sauce to serve with this dish check out my version of Salsa Verde with Flank Steak.

    For full ingredient list and quantities see the recipe card below.

    🔪How to Make This Recipe

    spice rub being rubbed on salmon then the grill being oiled. Salmon is on the grill flesh side down then flipped over to finish.

    Step 1 - Sprinkle spice rub on salmon and rub in with your fingers.

    Step 2 - Preheat the grill and wipe the hot grill twice with paper towel dipped in oil.

    Step 3 - Place salmon on hot grill flesh side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

    Step 4 - Flip the salmon and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until it flakes when pinched with fingers or temperature reaches 125 degrees F.

    For more detailed instructions please follow the recipe card below.

    Pro-Tips

    Oiling the hot grill with wadded up, oil soaked, paper towel will prevent sticking. Doing it 2 or 3 times is the trick. If I have time I will oil it twice, close the lid for 5 more minutes and oil it again.

    A good quality quick-read thermometer is the way to go for perfectly cooked salmon every time!

    Recipe FAQs

    When should I season salmon?

    Salmon should be seasoned right before cooking so the salt doesn't start to break down the flesh of the fish.

    How long does it take to cook salmon on the grill?

    Salmon will cook quickly on the grill so be sure to keep an eye on it. Depending on the thickness, salmon will take 8 to 12 minutes on a hot grill.

    How do you grill salmon without it sticking?

    To prevent salmon from sticking oil the grill well. Do this by folding up one or two pieces of paper towel. Using tongs, dip the paper towel in oil an rub it on the hot grill two or three times.

    What to serve with grilled salmon

    Here are some of my favourite side dishes that pair well with barbecued salmon.

    • creamy fennel and cucumber salad in a blue and white bowl on a distressed white background
      Creamy Fennel and Cucumber Salad
    • finished quinoa tabbouleh in a clay dish garnished with lettuce leaves.
      Easy Tabbouleh Salad With Quinoa
    • grilled vegetable salad on an oval platter with feta cheese and extra vinaigrette on the side.
      The Best Grilled Vegetable Salad Recipe
    • blue dish with prepared colorful summer succotash
      The Best Summer Succotash Recipe

    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    Want to say thank you?

    📖 Recipe

    grilled salmon fillets on a white plate with a side of sauce.

    Simple Grilled Salmon Recipe with Spice Rub

    A quick and easy grilled salmon recipe using a homemade spice rub you will want to put on everything!
    4.82 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: All
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 fillets (5-6 oz)
    Calories: 259kcal
    Author: Andrea Mut
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    Ingredients

    BBQ Spice Rub - makes 1 cup

    • ¼ cup paprika
    • 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon curry powder
    • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
    • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Garlic and Herb Sauce - makes approx. 1 cup

    • ½ cup plain yogurt
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs parsley, dill, tarragon, basil, or cilantro
    • 1 small garlic clove minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    For the Grilled Salmon

    • 4 salmon filets 160g/5-6 oz each
    • 4 to 6 teaspoons spice rub
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil for fish
    • Avocado or vegetable oil for the grill

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container in the cupboard away from heat and light. Makes about ¾ cup.
    • In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • Pat salmon dry with paper towel. Rub fillets evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with spice rub. Rub the spice mixture into the fish to coat evenly.
    • Preheat your outdoor grill for 15 minutes on high heat. Fold paper towels into a thick pad. Holding paper towel with tongs, dip it in the avocado or vegetable oil, and wipe the hot grill. Dip again and oil grill again. Close lid and let heat back up for 5 minutes before cooking the salmon.
    • Place the salmon flesh side down. Close the lid and cook (reduce heat to medium if your grill runs very hot), without moving filets, until the flesh side has grill marks and the flesh releases easily, 4-5 minutes.
    • Using tongs and a spatula, gently flip the fish and continue cooking, covered, until centers are translucent when checked with a fork or paring knife or the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F for medium-rare (the salmon will continue cooking once removed from the heat). 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    STORAGE - Salmon can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the spice rub in a sealed container or jar in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Garlic and herb sauce will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for one week
    NUTRITION FACTS - are only an estimate and have not been approved by a registered dietitian. The label below is for the salmon plus oil for seasoning. It doesn't include the information for the Herb and Garlic Sauce. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 259kcal | Protein: 32g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 599mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MyPocketKitchen or tag #mypocketkitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.82 from 11 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    1. Mieke Fraser says

      June 18, 2023 at 10:14 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious

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    2. Nicole says

      September 04, 2022 at 11:54 am

      Hi Andrea, I have a question about the spice rub. When preparing it, I guess it’s equal(more or less) amounts of each one. Am I right?

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      • Andrea says

        September 04, 2022 at 12:43 pm

        Hi Nicole!
        All the measurements are found in the recipe. The ingredients listed in the post are just to give you a quick glance at what you will need.

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    3. Gail,Perks says

      August 21, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      So good just like all of Andrea’s recipes!

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    4. Jill says

      July 04, 2022 at 6:06 am

      5 stars
      We love salmon and this is now our new favourite recipe for salmon, so yummy

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      • Andrea says

        July 04, 2022 at 7:59 am

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It's our new favourite too! Thanks for commenting!

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    Andrea from My Pocket Kitchen

    Hello and welcome to My Pocket Kitchen! I'm Andrea, a professionally trained Chef & Pastry Chef . Here you will find easy, step by step recipes that are packed with wholesome, nutrient rich ingredients. Hope you have fun! Read More…

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