Perfectly Glazed Grilled Salmon: Achieve That Crispy Char, Every Time

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Salmon: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Remove any pin bones. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. 2

   Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for your chosen glaze. For a thicker glaze, simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced. Set aside 2 tablespoons of fresh glaze for finishing.
3. 3

   Marinate Salmon: Pour the remaining glaze over the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
4. 4

   Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C) for two-zone cooking. For gas, turn off one or two burners to create a cooler, indirect zone. For charcoal, pile coals to one side. Clean and generously oil the hot grill grates.
5. 5

   Grill Salmon (Skin-Side Down): Place the marinated salmon fillets, skin-side down, directly over the hottest part of the grill (direct heat). Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes without moving, allowing char marks to develop and the skin to crisp.
6. 6

   Flip and Finish: Using a sturdy metal spatula, carefully flip the salmon. Move the fillets to the cooler, indirect heat zone. Close the lid and continue to cook for another 4-7 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. 7

   Apply Finishing Glaze: During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved fresh glaze over the top of the salmon.
8. 8

   Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a platter and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.