Grilled Salmon in a Fish Basket Recipe

Grilled salmon in a fish basket is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that keeps the fish tender, neat, and simple to move on and off the grill. For this recipe, the salmon fillet is brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salmon rub, topped with fresh lemon, and cooked in a grilling basket until it reaches a safe internal temperature. The basket makes grilling salmon much easier because it helps hold the fillet together and keeps the lemon slices and seasoning in place while the fish cooks.

Salmon is one of my favorite lean proteins for dinner because it cooks quickly and pairs well with simple side dishes. It is excellent with rice, grilled vegetables, asparagus, a green salad, or potatoes. Fresh-caught Pacific Northwest salmon is wonderful when available, but store-bought salmon fillets or previously frozen salmon also work well for this grilled salmon recipe.

Grilled Salmon Ingredients

• Salmon Fillet – Fresh salmon is great, but store-bought or previously frozen fillets work too. Make sure the salmon is fully thawed before grilling.
• Salmon Rub – Use your favorite salmon seasoning or a homemade rub. A smoky salmon rub adds great flavor without overpowering the fish.
• Olive Oil – Olive oil helps prevent sticking and helps the seasoning cling to the salmon.
• Fresh Lemons – Lemon slices or wedges brighten the flavor and look great on top of the grilled fillet.

How To Make Grilled Salmon in a Fish Basket

Start by preparing the salmon. If your salmon is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking. If it is fresh, make sure it is cleaned, filleted, and ready for the grill.

Slice the lemons. Lemon wedges or rounds both work. Wedges are easy to space across the top of the fish, while round slices give the salmon a classic presentation.

Coat the fish basket with nonstick spray. This step helps keep the salmon skin and flesh from sticking to the metal basket.

Rub both sides of the salmon with olive oil. Add oil to the skin side and the meat side. This helps the fish release from the basket and allows the seasoning to coat the fillet evenly.

Place the salmon skin side down in the open fish basket. Arrange it so the fillet sits flat and will close securely inside the basket.

Season the salmon to taste. Use a salmon rub you enjoy. A smoky, savory rub works especially well with grilled salmon and fresh lemon.

Add the lemon slices or wedges. Space the lemon evenly over the top of the salmon so each portion gets a little citrus flavor as it cooks.

Close and latch the fish basket. Make sure the top is secure so the salmon stays in place when you move it to the grill.

Preheat the grill to low-medium heat. Salmon cooks quickly, so using steady moderate heat helps prevent the outside from overcooking before the center is done.

Place the fish basket on the grill. You can cook it on the upper or lower rack depending on your grill setup and how closely you plan to watch it. Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks because timing will vary based on the thickness of the fillet and the grill temperature.

This salmon is great with cheesy grilled asparagus, white rice, or another light side dish. If you are cooking other grilled sides at the same time, watch the salmon carefully so it does not overcook.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Salmon should reach 145 degrees before serving. Once it is done, remove the fish basket from the grill, carefully open it, and serve the salmon with the lemon on top.

How To Store Leftover Salmon

Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to two days. Let the salmon cool before storing it. You can also freeze cooked salmon for up to 30 days after cooking. For best texture, wrap it well and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Salmon

Leftover salmon can be reheated in the microwave, oven, grill, or air fryer. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out. If using an oven or air fryer, a lower temperature can help warm the salmon while keeping it tender.

Where To Buy Fish Grilling Baskets

A fish grilling basket is a helpful tool for cooking delicate fish on the grill. It makes the salmon easier to turn, keeps toppings in place, and helps prevent the fillet from breaking apart. Fish baskets and grilling baskets are available in several styles and sizes, so choose one that fits your grill and the size of salmon fillets you usually cook.

• Fish grilling baskets
• Grilling baskets for seafood
• Long-handled fish baskets
• Nonstick grilling baskets

Leftover Salmon Recipes

Leftover salmon is great for turning into another meal. Keep the extra grilled salmon simple so it can be used in salads, dips, rice dishes, or quick lunches the next day.

• Salmon Salad
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Blackstone Salmon Fried Rice

What To Serve With Grilled Salmon

Smoked Appetizers: Smoked cream cheese, smoked queso dip, and smoked refried bean dip are flavorful starters for a grilling meal.

Smoked Side Dishes: Smoked baked potatoes, smoked green bean casserole, smoked sweet potato casserole, smoked loaded cheesy potatoes, smoked deviled eggs, smoked loaded baked beans, and creamy smoked macaroni and cheese all pair well with salmon.

Grilled Side Dishes: Cheesy grilled asparagus, cheese-stuffed mushrooms, grilled loaded twice-baked potatoes, and grilled corn on the cob are all excellent options.

Other Side Dishes: White rice, Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, and coleslaw are simple choices that balance the richness of grilled salmon.