Published: May 26, 2022 · Modified: Jul 12, 2022 by · Show
This Traeger Grilled Salmon recipe is delicious, full of smoky flavor, and perfectly tender. With very little prep, this healthy dish will be on the table in no time and is versatile enough to serve with your favorite sides! Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients NeededIngredient Notes
How To Make This Recipe
What Is The Best Salmon To Grill?My favorite salmon to grill is wild caught king salmon. It has the highest fat content of all salmon, meaning the most amount of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. This also makes it more difficult to dry out. The texture is delicious and this salmon holds up very well through the smoking and grilling process. Another great option is wild caught sockeye salmon. This type of salmon doesn’t have as much fat as the king salmon so it is a bit easier to dry out but so long as you keep an eye on the temperature, it’s a great healthy choice! Wild Caught Salmon vs Farm Raised SalmonWild caught salmon (or any fish) simply means that the fish was caught in its natural environment and was living on and had access to a natural diet. Farm raised salmon means that the fish was raised in pens, cages, etc. that have been submerged in bodies of water (including the ocean). Farm raised salmon typically consume a more processed and unnatural diet. In general, wild-caught salmon is a more nutritious (and environmentally conscious) option with a higher content of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. You can read more about Wild Caught Salmon vs Farm Raised Salmon at these resources: “Wild for Salmon” “Wild vs Farmed Salmon: Which Type of Salmon is Healthier?” by Healthline How To Serve This RecipeThis recipe is so versatile and goes great with a variety of sides and toppings for your fish!
Recipe FAQ’sCan I make this recipe on a charcoal grill or gas grill? Yes! While you'll be lacking the smoke flavor, salmon is still delicious grilled on a charcoal or gas grill. Simply prepare the salmon as directed and then place directly on the grill grates (salmon skin side down) over medium to medium-high heat. Close the lid of the grill and allow the salmon to cook for approximately 8-10 minutes and then flip the salmon to quickly sear the top for 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. The cook time will vary based on the thickness of the fillet, so always grill based on temperature rather than time. What are the best wood pellets to use for this recipe? Alder is the most traditional wood used for smoking salmon, however, hickory, apple, or cherry are also great options! At what temperature is salmon fully cooked? The USDA recommends salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, this is a fairly well-done. For a medium degree of doneness, aim for 135 degreees F, keeping in mind that the fish will continue cooking for a couple minutes after removing it from the grill. Do I have to brine my salmon before smoking it? Many times you will see salmon being brined in either a dry or wet brine mixture before smoking. Brining not only flavors proteins, but also allows it to retain more moisture and prevents the cut of meat from drying out. A wet brine consists of submerging protein in a mixture of cold water and salt, where as a dry brine often uses a mixture of salt, brown sugar, and herbs. While you certainly can brine this salmon prior to cooking, if desired, I have never found it to be necessary and enjoy being able to get a quick and healthy meal on the table quickly. Because this salmon is cooked quickly and with a recommended high fat content salmon, I have not had an issue with it drying out when cooked to the recommended temperature. More Traeger Grill Recipes
Love this recipe? Consider leaving a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. We LOVE to hear from you! 📖 RecipeEmilee Mason This Traeger Grilled Salmon recipe is easy, full of smoky flavor, and perfectly tender. With very little prep time, this healthy dish will be on the table in no time and is versatile enough to serve with your favorite sides! Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 40 mins Course Dinner Cuisine American Servings 3 Calories 478 kcal
Ingredient Notes
Grilling + Smoking Notes
Calories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 46gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 783mgPotassium: 85mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 79IUIron: 1mg Leave a comment below and let me know on instagram @theprimitivedish! About Emilee MasonEmilee Mason is a Whole30 certified coach, food photographer, and recipe developer. As a health foodie, grill enthusiast, and mom of two young boys she has a passion for creating healthy, delicious, and family friendly recipes that are simple and fun to make! Reader InteractionsWhat temp should my smoker be for salmon?Smoke your salmon for 3-4 hours, at 225 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using a Traeger, getting to that temperature just means starting your grill and using your Smoke setting.
How long does it take to smoke salmon at 350?If grilling, set temperature to 350° F and cook for 15-25 minutes, see more information here. If smoking salmon, smoke for 30 minutes then cook for an additional hour at 225° F, see more information here. Enjoy the natural wood-fired flavor from your Traeger grill.
What temperature should I cook salmon on a Traeger grill?From 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is the right temperature to grill salmon for most recipes. Set your Traeger Grill to 350 degrees and allow it to warm up for 15 minutes with the lid closed, as in our grilled blackened Saskatchewan salmon recipe.
What is the best temperature to cook salmon?According to Cook's Illustrated, 125 degrees F is the preferred temperature for farmed salmon if you like your salmon to be mostly firm with a fair amount of silkiness. Wild salmon should be cooked to just 120 degrees F, as it is leaner and more prone to drying out.
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