A fresh, flavorful option for your next barbecue, these Grilled Salmon Skewers are marinated in olive oil, lemon, Dijon mustard, and herbs for tender, delicious results. Paired with vibrant bell peppers and tomatoes, they’re a quick, balanced meal that’s sure to impress.
These Salmon kebabs are a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that will impress your guests and leave everyone craving more. Fire up the grill and savor the vibrant flavors in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon Fillet: The centerpiece of this dish, tender and ideal for grilling, soaking up the marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.
- Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil ensures a silky texture, while lemon juice adds bright acidity. Dijon mustard deepens the flavor, garlic infuses a bold kick, and sea salt flakes with black pepper provide a perfectly balanced seasoning.
- Dried Thyme, Parsley, and Chili Flakes: These herbs and spices deliver earthy, aromatic notes with just the right touch of heat to make the marinade shine.
- Yellow Bell Pepper and Tomatoes (or Cherry Tomatoes): Sweet, crisp yellow bell peppers complement the savory elements, while tomatoes add juiciness and a natural sweetness that ties the dish together.
Storing Your Grilled Salmon Skewers
Proper storage is key to keeping your grilled salmon fresh and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Cool Completely: Let the skewers cool to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled skewers to an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator, where the salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or on the stovetop to maintain the tender, juicy texture. Avoid overcooking to keep them as delicious as when first grilled.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon Skewers
- Pick the Right Salmon: Opt for fresh, skinless, center-cut fillets for even cooking. Wild-caught salmon offers a richer flavor, but fresh-farmed salmon works beautifully too.
- Master the Marinade: Balance acidity (lemon juice or vinegar) with fat (olive oil) for flavor and moisture. A touch of honey or brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create those irresistible grill marks.
- Prep Your Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. For an easier option, use metal skewers that don’t require soaking.
- Add Vegetables: Alternate salmon pieces with veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for colorful, flavorful bites. Their similar cooking times make them a perfect match.
- Control the Heat: Start with direct heat to achieve grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking without drying out the salmon. This keeps the fish tender and juicy.
For more delicious ways to enjoy salmon, try these recipes, Baked Honey Mustard Salmon, Lime Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, and Lemon Butter Baked Salmon, each offering unique flavors and cooking methods to suit any occasion!
Variations to Try
Add More Veggies: Try zucchini, red onions, or mushrooms for added variety.
Spice It Up: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for more heat.
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter, tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prevent Salmon from Sticking on the Grill
To keep salmon from sticking to the grill, ensure the grates are well-oiled before placing the skewers. You can also use a grilling mat or aluminum foil for a smooth, non-stick surface. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and allow the salmon to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This helps form a crust, making it easier to turn without sticking.
Can You Use Frozen Salmon for Skewers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling. Proper thawing ensures even cooking and helps the marinade absorb better.
Grilled Salmon Skewers
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- Sea Salt Flakes to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound Salmon Fillet skinless
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
- 2 Tomatoes or 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 12 Soaked Wooden Skewers or Metal Skewers
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Soak wooden skewers in room-temperature water for 10 minutes. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
- Remove the skin from the salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into medium, bite-sized pieces.
- Cut tomatoes into bite-sized pieces or use cherry tomatoes. Cut bell pepper into pieces similar in size to the tomatoes and salmon.
2. Marinate the Skewers:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chili flakes, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Thread salmon, tomatoes, and bell pepper onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients.
- Place skewers in a flat baking or roasting pan. Pour marinade over skewers, ensuring all sides are coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the Skewers:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade.
- Salmon is ready when fork-tender and easily flakes apart.
- Let skewers rest for 2 minutes before serving with your favorite side dishes.
