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.
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Reserve 2–3 tablespoons for finishing.
Heat grill to medium heat (375–400°F / 190–205°C).
Clean and oil grates well to prevent sticking.
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.
Remove from grill.
Brush lightly with reserved glaze.
Rest 2 minutes before serving.
Grilled asparagus or zucchini
Cilantro-lime rice or wild rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Simple green salad
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
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
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.
4 servings