Cilantro Lime Grilled Salmon

This grilled salmon recipe is extremely easy and incredibly quick—the whole thing comes together in just 25 minutes. Questions? Check out our FAQs below.

Can I grill skinless salmon?

You can, but it requires a little more finesse. Skin really helps keep the fish together while it cooks, and makes flipping so much easier. Cooking skinless filets may lead the fish to fall apart, but ultimately it will still taste great! (Who wants to miss out on crispy grilled skin though?!) You can always remove the skin after grilling if you prefer. The skin comes off easily after being cooked. 

Is grilled salmon healthy?

Absolutely! Salmon is rich in omega-3s, it's a great source of protein, and it's full of vitamins and nutrients. Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook salmon, as it doesn't require much extra fat like butter or olive oil. The grill also adds amazing flavor. 

What temperature should I cook my salmon to?

According to the FDA, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°.  Since [good quality] salmon is fine to eat raw, we tend to check for doneness with a fork rather than a thermometer. Once the salmon easily flakes with pressure from a fork, it's good to go! Just be sure you're checking the thickest part of the filet, as most filets have thinner, quick-cooking sections.

What else can I add to the sauce?

This sauce is a great jumping off point. Feel free to change up the ingredients for countless delicious sauces. Try swapping in shallots for garlic, lemon for lime juice, or brown sugar for honey. The herbs are also adaptable: basil, parsley, and tarragon would all be great swaps for cilantro. You could even add a splash of white wine if you're feeling fancy!

How do I flip the fish without breaking it?

The #1 culprit of broken grilled fish is flipping too soon. Fish obviously sticks to grill grates, but as soon as those lovely char marks are achieved, the fish will release from the grates and will be super easy to flip. If you're feeling ANY resistance when you peek at the underside of your fish, DON'T flip! The same goes for pan-fried salmon. It's also important to make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding the salmon. This is usually a bigger problem in skillets because people often don't give them enough time to preheat, but the same still goes for the grill. You can also brush your salmon with a little oil to help ensure it won't stick. 

What other fish is good for grilling?

We thought you'd never ask! We love this delicious grilled halibut and the mango salsa that comes with it—a perfect date night meal. If you're looking for something a little friendlier on the wallet, try out this easy grilled tilapia. It comes topped with a bright salad of lightly pickled blistered cherry tomatoes—the perfect burst of brightness to contrast the charred filets.

Have you made this recipe? Let us know how you like it in the comments below!





Editor's Note: The introduction to this recipe was updated on June 4, 2021 to include more information about the dish.