How long do you grill a 2.5 lb salmon?

I cannot give you a specific grilling time for a 2.5 lb salmon. Here's why:

* Thickness matters: A 2.5 lb salmon can be very thin or quite thick depending on the cut. Thicker cuts will take longer to cook.

* Heat level: Your grill's temperature will greatly influence cooking time. High heat will cook faster than low heat.

* Personal preference: Some people prefer their salmon cooked to medium-rare, while others like it cooked through.

Here's how to grill salmon the right way:

1. Preheat your grill: Get your grill nice and hot. For gas grills, aim for medium-high heat (around 400°F). For charcoal grills, use hot coals.

2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, and add any other desired spices or herbs.

3. Grill time: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-8 minutes per side for medium.

4. Check for doneness: To check for doneness, use a fork to gently flake the salmon. If it flakes easily, it's done. You can also use a meat thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part of the salmon. It should register 125°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for medium.

5. Rest: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

* Avoid overcooking: Salmon is delicate, so it's easy to overcook. Don't worry if it seems a little undercooked in the middle, it will continue to cook as it rests.

* Skin-side down: Grilling the salmon skin-side down helps it cook more evenly and prevents sticking.

* Use a fish spatula: A fish spatula is a great tool for flipping the salmon without breaking it.

Enjoy your grilled salmon!