To cook salmon on a charcoal grill, it's important to properly prepare the fish and set up your grill for indirect cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Purchase fresh salmon filets or steaks from a reliable source. Look for cuts with a vibrant color and firm texture.
- Preheat your charcoal grill by filling it with charcoal and lighting it. Let the coals burn until a light layer of white ash forms.
- While the grill is heating up, season the salmon with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the fish in your favorite flavors for added taste.
- Once the grill is ready, place a drip pan filled with water underneath the grates. This will prevent the fish from drying out and also catch any drippings.
- If possible, oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking. You can do this by dipping a folded paper towel in oil, using tongs to hold it, and then brushing it over the grates.
- Carefully place the salmon on the grill, skin side down, over the drip pan. It's crucial to use indirect heat for salmon to prevent burning and overcooking.
- Cover the grill, with the vents partially open, to maintain a steady temperature of around 375-400°F (190-204°C). Cook the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness, flipping halfway through the cooking time if desired.
- To check if the salmon is cooked, gently poke a fork into the thickest part of the fish. It should flake easily and appear opaque in the center. Avoid overcooking, as it can result in dry and less flavorful salmon.
- Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the grill using a spatula. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Serve the grilled salmon hot with your desired accompaniments, such as lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a flavorful sauce.
Remember, cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the salmon and the specific conditions of your grill, so it's important to keep an eye on the fish while it cooks. Enjoy your deliciously grilled salmon!
Best Charcoal Grills of April 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
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Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
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Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
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One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
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3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
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CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
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LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
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BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
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Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
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Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium
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Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
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Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
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Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
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Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
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Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T
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Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
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Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
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Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
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Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
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One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
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Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
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Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
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Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.
Can you cook salmon fillets directly on the grill grates or should you use a grill basket?
You can cook salmon fillets directly on the grill grates or use a grill basket, depending on your preference. Both methods have their pros and cons.
Cooking salmon fillets directly on the grill grates allows for direct contact with the heat source, offering a nice sear and grill marks on both sides of the fillet. It also allows for better airflow, which promotes even cooking and a slightly smoky flavor. However, if the fillets are not handled carefully, they may stick to the grates, and it can be challenging to flip them without them breaking apart.
Using a grill basket is a great alternative, especially if you're concerned about the salmon sticking to the grates or if you're working with smaller fillets or delicate fish. The grill basket helps to keep the fish intact and prevents it from falling through the grates. However, you may sacrifice the grill marks or sear, as the direct contact with the heat source is reduced.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference and skill level. If you're confident in your grilling skills and want the ultimate sear and grill marks, cooking directly on the grates is the way to go. If you want more convenience and assurance that the fillets won't stick or break apart, using a grill basket is a good option.
What temperature should the charcoal grill be maintained at while cooking salmon?
The ideal temperature for cooking salmon on a charcoal grill is between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 205°C). This medium-high heat will allow the salmon to cook through without drying out or burning the exterior. It's important to monitor the heat and adjust the grill vents accordingly to maintain this temperature range.
Can you use a charcoal chimney starter to ignite the coals for grilling salmon?
Yes, you can use a charcoal chimney starter to ignite the coals for grilling salmon. A charcoal chimney starter is a quick and efficient way to light charcoal without the need for lighter fluid. Simply fill the chimney with charcoal, place some crumpled newspaper or firestarter at the bottom, and light it. The coals will ignite and be ready for cooking in about 15-20 minutes. Once the coals are lit, you can spread them evenly in your grill and grill the salmon directly over the coals.
Is it better to wrap the salmon in foil or grill it directly on the grates?
It depends on personal preference and the desired outcome.
Grilling salmon directly on the grates without using foil allows for direct heat contact, which can create a nice char and grill marks on the fish. This method imparts a smokier flavor and a slightly crispier texture to the salmon.
However, wrapping the salmon in foil creates a more gentle cooking environment, allowing the fish to steam in its juices. This method helps retain moisture and ensures a tender, flaky texture. It also allows for easy addition of herbs, spices, or marinades, which can infuse the fish with additional flavors.
Ultimately, the decision between grilling directly on the grates or using foil to wrap the salmon will depend on the specific preferences and desired outcome of the cook.
