Bbq Salmon In Foil: Cooking Time Perfection

how long to cook bbq salmon in foil

Cooking salmon in foil is a simple and effective way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal with minimal cleanup. The foil method is a great way to cook salmon on the barbecue, as it helps to lock in moisture and flavour, while also preventing the fish from falling apart or sticking to the grill. The cooking time is also relatively short, with the salmon and any accompanying vegetables taking around 10–15 minutes to cook.

Characteristics Values
Time 10-25 minutes
Temperature 375-450°F
Salmon weight 1-2 pounds

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How to make a foil packet for BBQ salmon

Ingredients

You will need:

  • Salmon fillets
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt
  • Lemon
  • Your choice of herbs and spices (e.g. garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, rosemary, cilantro, paprika, etc.)
  • Heavy-duty aluminium foil
  • Baking sheet
  • Meat or instant-read thermometer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by selecting salmon that is bright pink in colour and smells fresh. You can use any type of salmon, but make sure it is completely thawed if previously frozen. For grilling, it is best to opt for a centre-cut salmon fillet, as it will cook more evenly. Skin-on salmon is preferable, especially if you are cooking the fish directly on the grill, as it will help hold the salmon together. However, if you only have skinless salmon, grilling it in foil is a better option.

Step 2: Prepare the Foil Packet

Place a large sheet of foil on a baking sheet. The foil should be big enough to fully wrap around the salmon with plenty of overhang on all sides to create a packet. Using heavy-duty foil or slightly thicker foil can help prevent tearing. If you wish to avoid direct contact between the food and the foil, you can place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the foil.

Step 3: Assemble the Packet

Place half of your desired herbs and citrus on the foil. Arrange the salmon on top, skin side down, and flesh side up. Drizzle oil over the salmon, then sprinkle with salt and your choice of herbs and spices. Lay the remaining herbs and citrus on top.

Step 4: Seal and Grill the Packet

Seal the foil packet by folding the sides and ends over one another to ensure it is completely enclosed, with no openings. Place the packet on a preheated grill at medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Grill for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired level of doneness. The salmon is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a thermometer to check this, or check for doneness by taking a sharp knife and peeking into the thickest part of the salmon. If it is beginning to flake but still has a little translucency in the middle, it is ready.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. The salmon will continue to cook after it is taken off the grill. Enjoy your BBQ foil salmon with your choice of side dishes!

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How long to BBQ salmon in a foil packet

BBQ salmon in a foil packet is a great way to cook salmon with minimal cleanup and a reduced risk of the fish falling apart or sticking to the grill. The foil packet method also helps to keep the salmon moist, ensuring it is tender and flaky.

The length of time it takes to BBQ salmon in a foil packet depends on the thickness of the salmon fillet and your desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes between 10 and 25 minutes to cook salmon in a foil packet on the BBQ. For thinner fillets of around 1-inch thickness, check for doneness after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. Thicker fillets, of 1.5 inches or more, may need up to 15 or even 25 minutes.

To check if your BBQ salmon in a foil packet is cooked to your liking, carefully open the foil and use a sharp knife to peek into the thickest part of the fillet. If the salmon is beginning to flake but still has a little translucency in the middle, it is done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature will continue to rise as the salmon rests, so it is best to remove it from the grill when it reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

When grilling salmon in a foil packet, it is important to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to use a large piece of heavy-duty foil to create your packet, with plenty of overhang to fully wrap the salmon. Place the salmon on the foil, add your desired seasonings and toppings, and seal the foil, leaving a little room inside for air circulation. Place the foil packet on the preheated grill and cook for the desired amount of time, based on the thickness of your salmon.

By following these simple steps and timing your cook based on the thickness of your salmon fillet, you can easily master the art of BBQing salmon in a foil packet.

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What temperature to cook BBQ salmon in foil

When barbecuing salmon in foil, it is recommended to preheat your grill to a medium-high heat of around 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a charcoal grill, a Traeger grill, or a Big Green Egg, the ideal temperature range is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are using a gas grill, you can go a little higher, with a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit being suitable.

Once you have closed the grill lid, the salmon should cook for 14 to 18 minutes, or until it is almost completely cooked through at the thickest part. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon, so thinner fillets may be done several minutes earlier, and thicker fillets may need a little longer.

The FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but the temperature will continue to rise as the fish rests. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check if your salmon is done.

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How to tell when BBQ salmon in foil is done

There are several ways to tell when your BBQ salmon in foil is done. Firstly, the FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the salmon. Alternatively, you can insert a sharp knife into the thickest part of the salmon and check if it is beginning to flake while still having a little translucency in the middle. If the salmon is thinner, check several minutes early to prevent overcooking. For thicker salmon, more time may be needed.

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What to serve with BBQ salmon in foil

BBQ salmon in foil is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. It goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as:

  • Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: A delicious and meaty-flavoured option that can be easily grilled alongside the salmon.
  • Grilled Sweet Potato Fries: A fun and tasty side dish that pairs well with the salmon.
  • Grilled Asparagus: A classic and simple choice that complements the salmon nicely.
  • Broccoli: Grilled or roasted broccoli adds a healthy and tasty element to the meal.
  • Carbohydrates: Consider serving the salmon on a bed of rice, such as brown rice or lemon rice, or with healthy potato salad, grilled potatoes, or grilled corn.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic or roasted zucchini make great side dishes. You can also opt for a mix of oven-roasted vegetables.
  • Pasta Salad: Try something like a lemon poppy seed dressing or kale pesto pasta salad.
  • Potato Salad: German-style potato salad with caramelized onions is a delicious option.
  • Dessert: For a refreshing treat, try zesty fruit salad with coconut milk and basil.
  • Drinks: Wash down your meal with a refreshing beverage like Tropical White Sangria.

There are also some specific suggestions for what to serve with BBQ salmon in foil that include green beans:

  • Rice: Wild rice is a great option to pair with the salmon and green beans.
  • Potatoes: Baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even a roll would make a great side dish.
  • Salad: A light and healthy option to balance out the meal.

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