Grilled Salmon with BBQ Glaze is a quick, flavorful seafood recipe featuring tender salmon fillets brushed with a sweet-smoky barbecue glaze and grilled to flaky perfection. This easy BBQ salmon recipe is ideal for healthy weeknight dinners, summer grilling, and light backyard meals.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 30 minsFor the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin-on preferred
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or honey-style works best)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh parsley or dill
Prep the salmon
1
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Make the BBQ glaze
2
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Reserve 2–3 tablespoons for finishing.
Preheat the grill
Grill the salmon
4
Place salmon skin-side down over direct heat.
Close lid and grill 5–7 minutes without flipping.
Brush flesh side generously with BBQ glaze.
Continue cooking 3–5 minutes until salmon flakes easily and internal temp reaches 135–140°F .
Finish & serve
Side Information (Great with BBQ Salmon)
6
Grilled asparagus or zucchini
Cilantro-lime rice or wild rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Simple green salad
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
Pairing Suggestions
7
Beer: Wheat beer, pilsner, or light lager
Wine: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, iced green tea, or lemonade
Tips & Notes
8
Skin-on salmon protects the flesh and makes grilling easier.
Avoid flipping—salmon naturally releases when ready.
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
Cedar plank salmon works beautifully with this glaze.
Leftovers are excellent flaked into salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
Ingredients For the Salmon
4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin-on preferred
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Glaze
½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or honey-style works best)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh parsley or dill
Directions Prep the salmon
1
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Make the BBQ glaze
2
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Reserve 2–3 tablespoons for finishing.
Preheat the grill
Grill the salmon
4
Place salmon skin-side down over direct heat.
Close lid and grill 5–7 minutes without flipping.
Brush flesh side generously with BBQ glaze.
Continue cooking 3–5 minutes until salmon flakes easily and internal temp reaches 135–140°F .
Finish & serve
Side Information (Great with BBQ Salmon)
6
Grilled asparagus or zucchini
Cilantro-lime rice or wild rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Simple green salad
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
Pairing Suggestions
7
Beer: Wheat beer, pilsner, or light lager
Wine: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, iced green tea, or lemonade
Tips & Notes
8
Skin-on salmon protects the flesh and makes grilling easier.
Avoid flipping—salmon naturally releases when ready.
Sauce late to prevent burning sugars.
Cedar plank salmon works beautifully with this glaze.
Leftovers are excellent flaked into salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
Grilled Salmon with BBQ Glaze
