Grilled Salmon Made Easy

Grilling salmon can be a challenge. If it sticks to the grate, you've got fish in the fire. But, with the right tools, you can grill salmon like a pro.

Preparing your fire. If you have a gas grill you need a good hot fire on one side only. If you're cooking with fire or charcoal, again, build your fire on one side of the grill, leaving the other side cool. Because you don't want your fish falling through the grate, you need a good cast iron griddle or grill pan. Once you have the fire good and hot, place your lightly oiled grill/griddle pan directly over the fire to preheat it. It needs to be very hot. If you're cooking on charcoal or wood, let the fire die down to a good bed of coals before you heat the grill pan.

While your fire is working, coat each side of the salmon fillets with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator for about twenty minutes to marinate. Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and place directly on the cast iron grill pan. If it sizzles, steams and smokes, it is hot enough. Cook the salmon for two minutes only, then turn it over with a spatula, and cook for another two minutes. Move the grill pan off of direct heat, close the BBQ lid and let it smoke and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, but is still very tender and moist.

Serve the salmon with either lemon butter or bourbon glaze.

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Salmon