Grilling salmon on a gas grill is one of the most rewarding ways to cook outdoors—it's quick, simple, and delivers incredible flavor. With the right marinade and spices, grill foil, and just a few simple techniques, you'll enjoy flaky and tender grilled salmon every single time. Whether you're a seasoned griller or just starting out, this guide has got you covered.
Best ways to cook salmon on a gas grill
One of the best ways to cook salmon on a gas grill is foil packets made with Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil. Preheat your grill to medium or between 350–400°F. Tear 12-inch sheets of foil to wrap your salmon fillets lengthwise. Place your salmon, veggies, and spices in the middle of the foil sheet. Carefully add your liquids, like oil, lemon juice, or a glaze. Fold the two longest sides of the foil together to form a seam, then fold up the short sides to seal the pack tightly. Grill for 10 to 20 minutes, checking at 10 minutes to see if your salmon has reached an internal temperature of 145°F with a meat thermometer.
Tear a 12-inch-long sheet of foil for each salmon portion
Place one six-ounce salmon fillet in the center of the foil. Repeat as needed
Season generously with seasonings or glaze, or place other fresh ingredients around the salmon
Fold the edges of the foil to create a sealed pouch, but leaving enough space for the steam to circulate
Step 3: Grill for 10 to 20 minutes
Place salmon foil packets on the grill
Cook at medium or 350–400°F for 10 minutes and check the internal temperature
Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer
Remove salmon foil packets with grill-safe gloves or grill tongs
Tip: How to check if your foil packet meal is done
Use long-handled tongs and heat-resistant gloves to safely remove the packet from the grill or campfire
Place it on a heat-safe plate, platter, or board
Carefully peel back the foil and insert a meat thermometer into the center of the largest part of the salmon
Look for a reading of 145°F, the USDA’s recommended safe internal temperature for salmon
Not there yet? Refold the packet and return it to the heat for another 5 to 10 minutes
Grilled salmon marinade
Simple marinades make BBQ salmon recipes flavorful and tender. Let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Be sure not to exceed 4 hours if you’re using citrus, as it can break down the fish texture.
Easy grilled salmon marinade recipes:
Garlic and Herb Marinade: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 finely minced garlic clove, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.3Makes six servings of marinade
Classic Soy-Honey Marinade: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves.4Makes 4 servings of marinade
Easy Soy-Dijon Marinade: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons of minced garlic, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon minced parsley.5Makes six servings of marinade
Sweet and Savory Maple Marinade: 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 minced clove of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.6Makes 4 servings of marinade
Reminder: Always dispose of used marinade for food safety. If you want extra for basting or pouring over your packet meal after it’s fully cooked, make extra.
How to cook salmon on the grill directly (BBQ salmon)
Yes, grilling salmon in foil packets is a favorite among many cooks, especially those just starting out. These foil packets work like little pouches that gently steam the fish, giving you a tender, juicy, and delicious salmon fillet every time. Plus, they help keep the fish from sticking to the grill or falling apart, making the grilling experience so much easier and enjoyable.
Seasonings can be as simple as salt and pepper with a light coating of cooking oil. But if you want to spice it up a bit, consider your favorite dry rub, BBQ seasoning, Asian-style spices, sweet-and-savory spices, or garlic-and-herb seasonings. The only limit is your imagination.
It depends on whether you are grilling in a foil packet or on the grill with a sheet of foil. For foil packets, it’s best to grill at a medium temperature, about 350-400°F. For grilling on the grates or on a foil sheet, set up your grill for two-zone cooking—one side on high (450°F to 500°F), and the other side on low (225°F to 250°F).
For salmon foil packets, you’ll want to grill your fillets for 10 to 20 minutes
For salmon on grill foil or directly on the grates, you’ll want to cook your fillets for 6 to 8 minutes on the high zone of the grill. Then flip onto the low zone of the grill for 2 to 4 minutes more until they are done
The grilled salmon’s internal temperature should reach 145°F, as measured with a meat thermometer.
Yes, you can freeze grilled salmon. Completely cool the salmon before wrapping. Wrap tightly in freezer paper and seal with freezer tape or in aluminum foil. Mark the date and what it is before freezing.
