Have you ever heard of Coho Salmon AKA Traeger? It’s the official season to cook the tender, smoky, and flaky salmon using the grilling method. Seafood aficionados know how much it means to try out different recipes such as halibut fish tacos, tuna ceviche, or pellet grill salmon. Your ordinary fish can be transformed into a heavenly scrumptious one with this easy recipe using a handful of ingredients. So, why wait when you have such an easy recipe to pellet grill smoked salmon at hand?
Ingredients Needed for Pellet Grill Salmon
Hello folks, if you are wondering how to smoke salmon on a pellet grill, don’t worry we are here to help you. It is worth mentioning that king salmon is an easy meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Below are the ingredients for Traeger grilled salmon:
1. Salmon Fillets
- Freshness: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh salmon fillets, ideally wild-caught. Atlantic salmon is a well-liked option because of its delicate texture and rich flavor.
- Quantity: Depending on your cravings, use 6–8 ounces (170-230 grams) of salmon per person.
- Type: Pick your favorite kinds of salmon, like Atlantic salmon, Pacific (like Chinook or Sockeye), or Steelhead, taking accessibility and flavor into consideration.
- Skin: Next, choose Skin-on or skinless fillets, according to individual taste.
2. Seasonings for Pellet Grill Salmon
- Salt: Use sea salt or Kosher salt to bring out the flavors in the salmon. You can add lemon juice to give it a tinge of acidity.
- Black Pepper: Ground fresh black pepper adds a hint of flavor and spiciness.
- Optional: To give a hint of sweetness and to improve the flavor profile, whisk in some maple syrup.
3. Optional Marinade or Brine to Enhance the Flavor of Pellet Grill Salmon
- Marinade: An acidic (such as lemon juice or vinegar) mixture with oil, herbs, and spices that gives the salmon taste and moisture.
- Brine: To enhance the flavor and juiciness of the salmon, brine it in a solution of water, salt, and sugar (optional). Add some aromatics, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, or garlic.
4. Wood Pellets
- Type: Select wood pellets that enrich the salmon’s flavor. Hickory, maple, alder, cedar, and fruitwoods like apple and cherry are common choices.
- Quality: For the best results, use quality wood pellets free of additives and fillers.
- Quantity: Evaluate how many pellets you’ll need by considering how long the cooking process will take and how big the hopper on your pellet grill can hold.
5. Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh Herbs: Chop some fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, to use as a garnish and to add some color.
- Citrus: For a zesty and vibrant flavor accent, thinly slice lemon, lime, or orange.
- Sauce: Before serving, prepare a simple sauce or dressing, like a light vinaigrette, garlic butter, or a lemon-dill sauce.
6. Pairings (Optional)
- Vegetables: Roasted or grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make a nutritious side dish. To get superb caramelization and grill markings, use grill grates.
- Starches: To soak up any juices, serve the salmon over quinoa, rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty toast.
- Salad: To counterbalance the richness of the salmon, try a cucumber-tomato salad or a fresh green salad. Cream cheese is a great spread over toast or a bagel that is served with the salmon.
7. Wine or Beverage Pairing (Optional)
- White Wine: Crisp, acidic white wines, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, improve the flavors of grilled salmon.
- Rosé Wine: The smoked flavor of the salmon can also be paired with a delicious, dry rosé.
- Beer: Fresh, light beers, such as wheat beers or pale ales, go well with grilled salmon for a refreshing taste.
Depending on your tastes and how many servings you plan to make, change the quantities and ingredients. You can adjust the recipe to your own preferences by experimenting with different marinades, seasonings, and wood pellet flavors.
Instructions for Pellet Grill Salmon
Below are easy instructions to follow:
1. Preheat the Pellet Grill
- Fill the Hopper: The first step in cooking salmon on a pellet grill is preheating the pellet. Start by adding your favorite kind of wood pellets to the grill’s hopper. Make sure the pellets are both high-quality and appropriate for the model of grill you own.
- Adjust Preferences: The pellet grill should be turned on, and the grill temperature should be adjusted to 375°F (190°C). You might need to tweak the digital controls or temperature dial on your grill.
- Oil and Clean Grates: Use a grill brush to thoroughly clean the grill grates while the grill is heating up. To keep the salmon from sticking after cleaning, lightly coat the grates with cooking oil heated to a high temperature. It is important to achieve the perfect smoked salmon on a pellet grill.
2. Get the Salmon Ready
- Seasonings: The next step of cooking smoked salmon using a pellet grill is selecting seasonings. Mix the olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and dried thyme thoroughly in a small bowl. The salmon will be seasoned and marinated with this mixture.
- Season the Salmon: On both sides, generously season the salmon fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use a brush or your hands to massage the seasoning mixture into the meat of the salmon, making sure it is uniformly coated.
3. Cooking on the Grill
- Placement: Gently place the seasoned salmon fillets straight onto the grates that have been cleaned and oiled once the grill has reached the proper temperature. To avoid sticking, if your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down. This will make a crispy smoked salmon on a pallet grill.
- Close Lid: In the next step, close the pellet grill’s lid to create convection, which distributes heat and smoke evenly around the fish. However, to keep the cooking temperature constant, try not to open the lid too much.
- Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of the fillets, cook the salmon without moving for about 12 to 15 minutes. During the cooking time, keep an eye on it with a timer or digital thermometer. When cooked through, the salmon should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Flipping: For even browning and grill markings, you can opt to flip the salmon fillets halfway through the cooking procedure, though it’s not required. Gently flip the fillets with a spatula, making sure not to shatter the fish.
4. Serve the Pellet Grill Salmon with Side Dishes
- Check Doneness: Use a wooden spoon to carefully take the salmon from the grill once it has caramelized beautifully on the exterior and hit the proper internal temperature. With a fork, the flesh should be easily flakeable and opaque.
- Garnish: Place the salmon fillets on individual plates or a serving dish. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped dill.
- Serve Hot: While still hot, serve the salmon on a pellet grill right away. Serve it with your preferred side dishes, like a crisp salad, rice, or roasted veggies. Pour any leftover marinade over the fish to give it more taste and moisture.
5. Savor
- Enjoy the Flavor: Savor the delicious, smokey thrill of perfectly grilled salmon. Enjoy the tasty, soft fish that has been mixed with the wood pellets’ natural smokiness.
- Savor and Share: Take in each bite of this scrumptious dinner and the memories made at the table with loved ones. Taste-test several wood pellet flavors and spice combinations to adjust the recipe to your personal tastes.
Additional Tips
- Temperature Control: Maintain a watchful eye on your pellet grill’s temperature during the cooking time and make necessary adjustments to keep the heat level constant.
- Experiment: To find your best combo, don’t be hesitant to try different marinades, seasonings, and wood pellet flavors.
- Storage: Any leftover grilled salmon can be kept in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. Before serving, gently reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this tasty and fulfilling feast.
However, if you want to explore different substitutes and variations, check out Jeri’s article.
Conclusion
Wrapping up what has been discussed so far, the article entails a discussion on the recipe for pellet grilled salmon. The needed ingredients, along with the easiest steps, are mentioned for seafood lovers. So, try out this easy recipe now and thank us later.
Savor the Smoky Goodness!