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Mastering the Ultimate BBQ Salmon: A Guide Tailored for the Australian BBQ

Mastering the Ultimate BBQ Salmon: A Guide Tailored for the Australian BBQ

The aroma of barbecue is an integral part of the Australian Summer, the aroma that compliments the essence of scorching heat and relaxed gatherings. Amongst the classic range of barbecued meats, like chicken, pork and beef, Salmon is an exceptional choice that offers both, a burst of flavours and varied health benefits. Cooking salmon on BBQ not only unveils its natural goodness but also adds a touch of smokey flavour that elevates its taste, a taste that almost everybody in Australia loves.
In the land of kangaroos, where the passion for lush outdoors is matched by the love for fresh and quality ingredients, Salmon happens to be a standout choice for grilling. Better known for its nutritional properties and versatility, Salmon pairs well with a wide array of flavours, extending from subtle herbs to robust spices, making it a treasured choice among seafood lovers and health freaks.
In this blog, we will take you on a culinary adventure to help you understand the basics of making the finest salmon on a BBQ in Australia. This is going to be an exuberant process where you will learn how to transform a simple fish into something extraordinary. The dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you are planning to serve it at a family dinner or a format get-together, this BBQ Salmon will be the start of your spread. So what are you waiting for? Let's dive into this delightful culinary adventure, together.

What is so special about making  Salmon on a BBQ in Australia 

Excellent Cooking process
Grilling Salmon on a BBQ is a delightful process that imparts smokiness into the fish which further elevates its natural flavours. This process provides a distinctive flavour profile to the Salmon, which is both refined and robust. What sets this dish apart from other dishes is the process of cooking, that maintains that enhances the richness of the fish while restoring its fine texture, such a result is hard to achieve through other cooking methods.
Magical Salmon
Apart from this Salmon itself is an excellent choice to be cooked over a grill, because of obvious reasons. One such reason is the the presence of high oil content in it, which makes it perfect for the high temperatures of BBQ, and keeps the meat moist and soft on the inside while lending a crispy finish to the outside. Additionally, Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and Protein which makes it a heart-healthy choice.
Versatility
The versatility of Salmon is also a reason that makes this dish a hit. You can pair it with any of your favourite herbs and spices to create your own marinade. This lets you enjoy the dish as many times as you want without getting bored of the same flavours over again. 
Altogether this BBQ Salmon is special in all aspects, be it the natural flavours, nutritional value, versatility and cooking technique. It fits perfectly into the Australian cooking culture, offering the most succulent flavour.

Ingredients you will need to make the finest Salmon on a BBQ in Australia 

Before getting started with any recipe, it is always important for the readers to get acquainted with the ingredients used in the recipe and realise the importance they play in the making of that recipe. The same is true with this BBQ Salmon recipe, before diving deep into the recipe for making this delectable dish, let us first take a quick look at some of the key ingredients used.
Salmon Fillets 
Salmon is known for its rich smooth flavour and its flaky texture. The best ones that you can opt for are the fillets with skin that have higher oil content, which helps them remain moist throughout the process of grilling, resulting in meat that is tender on the inside with a crispy exterior.
Olive Oil
Olive oil acts as the base for the marinade and makes sure that the spices and herbs cling to the salmon. During cooking, the oil acts as a layer between the salmon and the grill ensuring that it is cooked to perfection but not burnt.
Salt and Pepper
Seasoning the salmon properly helps complement its natural flavours, this is where salt and freshly ground black pepper come in handy. These basic seasonings go a long way and can do wonders for your dish.
Dill
Dill is a classic ingredient that is often paired with salmon, because of its light and grassy flavour. It imparts a hint of sweetness into the fish, which combines excellently with the rich and buttery flavour of Salmon.
Garlic
Garlic imparts a deep, aromatic and earthy flavour to the dish. Upon grilling, garlic adds a sweet note to the dish that enhances the natural flavours of salmon.
Lemon 
Lemon is used to add a fresh and zesty kick to the dish, this not only enhances the flavour profile but also helps in balancing the fattiness present in the fish, making itself an important ingredient for the dish.

Let's get started!

 
  • Preparing the BBQ
  • Begin by preheating your grill over medium-high heat to achieve a temperature of 190°C. Achieving the right temperature is essential for the perfect grilling experience and also because it sears the salmon skin quickly while retaining a moist inside.
  • Brush the crates with some olive oil and wipe them off using an oil-dipped paper towel. This small step will ensure that your grill is clean and all set for a non-sticky cooking experience 

  • Marination 
  • Using kitchen towels, pat dry the salmon fillets to get rid of excess moisture. This aids in achieving a crispier skin.
  • In a small mixing bowl combine olive oil with all your favourite spices and seasoning along with garlic, lemon zest and some chopped dill. Mix well
  • Brush the salmon fillets with the prepared marinade, covering each side generously. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let them rest for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before grilling

  • Game on!
  • Place the marinated salmon fillets carefully on the grill, leaving appropriate space between each fillet. Make sure to lay the fillets with skin down to make sure that it doesn't burn.
  • Let the salmon grill for about 6-7 minutes. Don't move the salmon during this time to achieve the perfect sear and become crisp.
  • Once done, use a thin spatula to gently flip the salmon and cook the meat side for 3-2 minutes. The exact timings may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon you use. To check for doneness notice if the salmon flakes easily, or if the internal temperature has reached 63°C.

  • Let it rest 
  • Once the fillets are grilled perfectly, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to sink deep into the salmon, making each bite delectable and succulent.
  • Serve your delicious BBQ Salmon Fillets with your favourite sides and with some chopped dill or lemon slices on top.

Equipment used to make these Salmon Fillets on a BBQ in Australia

Selecting the right equipment for your culinary adventures becomes very crucial, especially when it comes to grilling something as intricate and rich as salmon. The kind of grill you use can make or break the experience for you, so you need to choose the right kind of grill that can not only fulfil your grilling expectations but also match your taste. Luckily  Grillhound's top-rated collection has something for everyone.
If you are somebody who loves the traditional smokey flavour, then the Top 5 charcoal BBQs in Australia can be the solution for you. Made to impress, these Charcoal grills are both versatile and easy to operate. And with these, you can achieve that classic smoky BBQ flavour effortlessly.


If you are a fan of convenience and precision then you should check out  Grillhound's curated selection of gas BBQs. these gas grills are an edge above when it comes to a convenient grilling experience. Making them ideal for people who want to enjoy the delectable flavours of grilled salmon without having to care about hassles.
To further elevate your grilling experience you should also invest in a good quality kitchen thermometer. This small equipment can do wonders in your kitchen by letting you monitor the correct temperature so you can achieve perfectly cooked salmon and other dishes. A great option is the  Inkbird IBBQ-4T WiFi 4 probe thermometer, this wireless thermometer with top notch features lets you monitor temperature precisely and eliminates the guesswork.

At Last….


BBQ Salmon is an excellent way of including this amazing fish with so many benefits in your diet. The recipe above is a great way to do so, with just a few basic ingredients you can create the perfect dinner for yourself or your loved ones. And with its delicious flavours and unique texture the dish is sure to impress masses. Do give this recipe a try and it will soon become a staple on your menu.

Let's Connect

For more amazing recipes and tips on how to select the best equipment for your kitchen, don't forget to follow me on Facebook @Grillhound and Twitter @grillhound.
Try out my amazing recipes and make sure to tag me on them - would be delighted to see your culinary creations.
Recipe Card
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Grill Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Level: Easy
Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 X 200 grams salmon fillets, skin on
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Lemon zest
  • 1 tsp freshly chopped dill
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Lemon slices ( optional for garnishing)

Instructions 
  1. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat to achieve a temperature of 190°C. 
  2. Brush the crates with some olive oil and wipe them off using an oil-dipped paper towel. 
  3.  Pat dry the salmon fillets to get rid of excess moisture.
  4. In a small mixing bowl combine olive oil with all your favourite spices and seasoning along with garlic, lemon zest and some chopped dill. Mix well
  5. Brush the salmon fillets with the prepared marinade. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and then rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
  6. Place the marinated salmon fillets carefully on the grill with the skin down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes.
  7. Use a thin spatula to gently flip the salmon and cook the meat side for 3-2 minutes. 
  8. Once the fillets are grilled perfectly, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  9. Serve the BBQ Salmon Fillets with your favourite sides
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