How do you cook salmon on the grill without it sticking to grill?

1. Prepare the Salmon:

* Pat it dry: Thoroughly pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Moisture can cause sticking.

* Season generously: Use your favorite seasonings – salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc. The seasoning helps create a barrier between the fish and the grill.

* Oil the skin: Brush the skin side of the salmon with a thin layer of oil (like olive oil or avocado oil). This helps lubricate the skin and prevent it from sticking.

2. Prepare the Grill:

* Clean and heat: Make sure your grill grates are clean. Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F).

* Oil the grates: Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel or a grill brush dipped in oil. This will create a non-stick surface.

3. Grill the Salmon:

* Skin-side down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot grill. This is essential for preventing sticking.

* Don't move it! Resist the urge to flip the salmon immediately. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. This allows the skin to get crispy and helps it release from the grill.

* Check for doneness: After 3-5 minutes, gently lift a corner of the salmon with a spatula to check if the skin releases easily. If it does, it's ready to flip.

* Flip and finish: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flaky.

4. Additional Tips:

* Grill basket: Use a grill basket for even cooking and easy flipping. This can be helpful for smaller fillets.

* Cedar planks: Cooking salmon on cedar planks adds a smoky flavor and prevents sticking. Simply soak the planks in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

* Indirect heat: If you're concerned about the salmon overcooking, try grilling it over indirect heat (away from the flames). This will create a more gentle cooking environment.

Remember: Salmon is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious, non-stick grilled salmon!