If you’re wondering how to cook salmon steaks on the grill, this easy grilled salmon steak recipe delivers juicy, smoky salmon every single time. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or cooking over an open fire, salmon steaks are one of the best cuts of fish for grilling because they stay tender, flavorful, and hold together beautifully.
These grilled salmon steaks are seasoned with simple pantry spices, fresh lemon, and a touch of heat for the perfect balance of smoky and savory flavor. They pair with almost anything, and make an easy summer dinner that feels impressive without much effort.
To up the smoky flavor, you can try my homemade salmon rub on the salmon steaks. If you ended up with other fillets besides the glorious steaks, try this air fryer salmon bites recipe makes a quick, easy and healthy lunch.
Table of Contents
HOW LONG TO GRILL SALMON STEAKS
Salmon steaks should be grilled over medium heat for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it reaches 145°F internally or flakes easily with a fork.
WHAT ARE SALMON STEAKS?
Salmon steaks are thick cross-sectional cuts sliced directly through the fish, usually with the bone in the center. Compared to fillets, salmon steaks are firmer, meatier, and ideal for grilling because they hold their shape so well.
Their signature horseshoe shape also makes them one of the prettiest seafood cuts to serve straight off the grill.
You can usually find salmon steaks fresh or frozen at seafood counters or local fish markets, although they can sometimes be harder to track down than fillets.
We source ours by fishing for them ourselves on a deep-sea fishing charter. We end up with several fillets that we turn into several other mouth-watering dishes like this Brown sugar bourbon salmon and the easy air fryer teriyaki salmon.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Easy recipe with simple ingredients
- Smoky grilled flavor with juicy salmon
- High in a clean source of protein and omega-3s
- Perfect for gas grills, charcoal grills, or firepits
- Ready in under 15 minutes of cook time
- Works with cedar planks or direct grilling
BEST SALMON FOR GRILLING
When choosing salmon steaks for grilling, thicker cuts work best. Look for steaks that are about 1½ inches thick with firm flesh and bright color.
If you can only find fillets, this recipe still works beautifully. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
TO GRILL SALMON STEAKS YOU WILL NEED
Salmon
- Salmon steaks
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Fresh lemon
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Seasonings
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
If you love bold seafood seasoning, my salmon rub recipe works perfectly here too and is great to keep on hand for salmon nights.
- Or you can choose to go with this Salmon Rub Recipe that is phenomenal!
HOW TO COOK SALMON STEAKS
Step 1- Preparing The Salmon Steaks
- In a small bowl, mix together all of the spices.
- Pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towels to help them develop a better crust while grilling.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over both sides of the salmon, then lightly coat with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides and gently press it into the fish.
- Place the salmon steaks in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before grilling for the best flavor.
Step 2- Prepare The Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- If using charcoal or cooking over a firepit, wait until the flames settle into a steady medium heat before adding the salmon. You want consistent heat, not aggressive flames directly under the fish.
- Clean and oil the grill grates well before cooking to help prevent sticking.
- If using cedar planks, soak them in water for at least 1–2 hours beforehand.
Step 3- Cooking Salmon Steaks Over The Fire
Remove the salmon from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before grilling so it cooks evenly.
Place the salmon steaks on the grill and cover with the lid.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
The salmon is done when:
- The internal temperature reaches 145°F
- The flesh flakes easily with a fork
- The center turns opaque
Remove the salmon immediately once cooked to keep it juicy and tender.
Top with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice before serving if desired.
TIPS FOR GRILLING SALMON STEAKS
- Use Thick Salmon Steaks: Thicker cuts are easier to grill and stay juicier than thinner pieces.
- Fish sticks quickly on dry grates. Make sure the grill is clean and lightly oiled before cooking.
- Salmon can dry out fast. Use a thermometer or check for flaking early.
- Allow the grilled salmon steaks to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to help lock in the juices.
- Use Cedar Planks for More Flavor: Cedar planks help protect the fish from direct flames while adding incredible smoky flavor.
SERVING TIPS
- Pickled Beet Salad
- Potato Salad
- Thick Garlic Sauce
- Shrimp Nachos
STORAGE TIPS
Store leftover grilled salmon steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leftover salmon is great for:
- Salads
- Rice bowls
- Fish tacos
- Pasta
- Scrambled eggs
We usually grill extra just for leftovers the next day.
FAQ
Salmon steaks usually take about 8-12 minutes total on the grill over medium heat.
Clean the grill grates well before heating, then oil the grates well to ensure nothing will stick. You can consider a grill basket or placing the fish on cedar planks which we love doing to keep the fish basting in it's juices. Which is what we all want!
Yes. Starting skin side down helps prevent sticking and keeps the salmon moist.
A simple salt and pepper, lemon pepper, old bay, or the trader joe's salmon rub are all good alternatives for the spices I listed.
I asked myself the same thing until I had the patience to wait until the next day. Simple answer, no it's best to thaw salmon steaks completely before grilling in order for them to cook evenly. But I do love a quick healthy dish using frozen fish, like this air fryer frozen fish recipe!
Absolutely. Choose thick cuts, and avoid the tails as they tend to be thinner. With thicker cuts you can grill for longer period of time ensuring you trap in the smoke flavor! Adjust the timing by a minute or so depending on how thick your fillets are.
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How To Cook Salmon Steaks On The Grill
Equipment
- Grill grate
- Stainless steel flipping spatula
- Large tongs
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks
- 1 whole lemon ½ for marinade, ½ for finishing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparing The Salmon Steaks
- In a small bowl mix the spices and set aside.
- Remove the steaks from their packaging and pat dry using a paper towel.
- Squeeze half of the lemon over the top then rub the olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle the spices evenly on both sides of the salmon steaks and pat them to work them into the flesh gently. Place them on a sheet pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the Fire
- Once you're ready to cook them, start the open fire. Once you have a good burn going, use fire tongs to carefully place the logs flat in order to place the grill grates on top. We like to either make a square shape or put the logs in a line of some sort. You'll want the fire to be stable but not too hot for smoking. Similar to what you roast marshmallows with. Oil the grates if needed prior to placing them over the fire.
Cooking Salmon Steaks
- Once you're just about there, remove the salmon from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes so it cooks evenly.
- Place the salmon over the fire and cover with a grill top. We used our charcoal grill lid. Cook evenly on each side for about 4-6 minutes. Prior to removing it from the fire, you'll want to check that it's reached at least 145 degrees. Once it reaches 145F, remove it immediately and place it on a rack or plate. Squeeze a little lemon and top with finely chopped parsley; this is optional. Enjoy warm.
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