Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe

The Best Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe For Summer Fun

Succulent grilled salmon skewers enhance ordinary seafood into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with robust maritime flavors.

Marinating these delicate fish pieces unlocks incredible depth and complexity beyond traditional cooking methods.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this protein-rich dish with aromatic herbs and zesty undertones.

Delicate salmon absorbs marinades beautifully, creating layers of nuanced taste that dance across your palate.

Wooden skewers provide a rustic presentation that connects you to ancient grilling traditions from coastal regions.

Perfectly charred edges and tender, flaky internal textures make these skewers a delightful centerpiece for summer gatherings.

Impressive yet surprisingly simple, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold techniques.

Standout Qualities of Grilled Salmon Skewers

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Goodness: These grilled salmon skewers burst with a perfect blend of herb-infused olive oil, zesty lemon, and fresh seafood that dances on your taste buds.
  • Master Quick and Easy Cooking: The simple two-skewer technique and minimal preparation time make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy Vibrant Visual Appeal: Colorful bell peppers and folded lemon slices create a stunning presentation that's as beautiful as it is delicious, making these skewers ideal for summer gatherings and outdoor dining.
  • Experience Healthy Grilling Delight: Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the light grilling method preserves nutrients and creates a perfect balance of tender fish and slightly crisp edges.

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon Skewers with Flavor

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Wild-caught salmon with firm, rich flavor perfect for grilling, best when skinless and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Vegetable Companions:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet vegetables that add vibrant crunch and complement the salmon's richness, choose firm and bright-colored peppers.
  • Lemons: Fresh citrus fruit providing bright acidity and serving dual purposes of marinade and garnish, select juicy and firm lemons.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking during grilling, choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding depth and pungent flavor to the marinade, fresh cloves provide the most robust taste.
  • Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley: Fresh herb bringing herbaceous brightness and green color to the dish, more flavorful than curly parsley.
  • Kosher Salt: Coarse salt that enhances overall seasoning and helps draw out moisture, provides clean salt flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adding subtle heat and complexity to the marinade, whole peppercorns ground just before use offer best flavor.
Equipment:
  • Metal Skewers: Durable grilling tool for easy food manipulation, stainless steel prevents rust and conducts heat evenly.
  • Wooden Skewers: Alternative grilling tool requiring water soaking to prevent burning, disposable and affordable option.

How to Grill Perfect Salmon Skewers

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your grill to a medium heat zone. Aim for that perfect golden warmth that’ll cook salmon to tender perfection without scorching its delicate surface.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Minced garlic

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together into a smooth, aromatic mixture that’ll make your salmon sing with flavor.

Step 3: Build Amazing Skewers

Grab wooden or metal skewers and create stunning kebab masterpieces. Pro tip: Use double skewers for stability. Thread ingredients in a beautiful pattern:
  • Salmon chunks
  • Colorful bell pepper pieces
  • Folded lemon slices

The goal is a visually stunning and tasty arrangement that’ll wow your guests.

Step 4: Season and Prepare

Generously brush skewers with your flavor blend. Sprinkle with:
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Ensure every inch gets a delicious coating of seasoning.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally. Watch for that beautiful golden-brown exterior and opaque salmon interior. The key is gentle cooking that keeps the fish moist and flaky.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Remove skewers from grill. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top for a bright, zesty finish. The citrus will elevate all the complex flavors you’ve created.

Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately while hot. Pair with a crisp salad or light grain for a complete meal that screams summer freshness.

Kitchen Hack: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Tips for Juicy, Charred Grilled Salmon

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let salmon sit in marinade for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, firm salmon fillets with vibrant color and no strong fishy smell for best results.
  • Control Grill Temperature: Keep medium heat around 375-400°F to prevent salmon from drying out or burning.
  • Prevent Sticking: Brush grill grates with oil or use non-stick grill mat to ensure easy skewer removal and perfect grill marks.
  • Wooden Skewer Trick: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Salmon Skewers

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
  • Reheat Carefully: Warm skewers gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to retain moisture and preserve the salmon's delicate flavor.
  • Freeze Option: Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the salmon's quality.

Delicious Pairings for Grilled Salmon Skewers

  • Boost Citrusy Freshness: Pair these grilled salmon skewers with a crisp sauvignon blanc, whose bright acidity complements the zesty lemon and cuts through the rich salmon perfectly.
  • Elevate Mediterranean Vibes: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and olives, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that echoes the herb-infused marinade.
  • Create Herbal Harmony: Match the skewers with a chilled quinoa tabbouleh packed with fresh parsley, mint, and a lemony dressing, which mirrors the herb notes in the salmon's marinade.
  • Enhance Smoky Undertones: Add a side of grilled asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt, mirroring the skewers' smoky grilled character and providing a vegetable-forward accompaniment.

Creative Variations for Salmon Skewers

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace parsley with fresh oregano and add crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend over skewers before grilling for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix sriracha and honey into the marinade for a sweet-hot combination. Include red chili flakes and swap bell peppers with jalapeño slices to elevate the heat level.
  • Asian Fusion: Substitute olive oil with sesame oil and add minced ginger. Brush skewers with soy sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds after grilling. Include green onions for a fresh, zesty finish.
  • Herb Garden Blend: Create a marinade using fresh dill, chives, and thyme. Replace lemon slices with thin orange segments for a subtle citrus complexity. Garnish with chopped fresh chervil before serving.
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Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe

Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired grilled salmon skewers bring coastal flavors to your plate with zesty herbs and lemon. Perfect for summer gatherings, these delicate fish skewers offer a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds wild salmon fillet (skinless), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into pieces roughly the same size as the salmon cubes

Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish and Serving Ingredients:

  • 2 large lemons, 1 sliced into very thin rounds, 1 cut into wedges for serving
  • 8 metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Preheat the outdoor grill to a moderate temperature zone, ensuring consistent heat distribution for even cooking of the delicate salmon pieces.
  2. Craft a vibrant marinade by vigorously whisking together fragrant olive oil, finely chopped parsley, and pungent minced garlic in a small mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Select wooden or metal skewers, utilizing two parallel sticks per kebab to provide enhanced stability and effortless manipulation during grilling.
  4. Carefully thread the salmon cubes onto the skewers, interspersing them with vibrant bell pepper segments and folded lemon slices to create a visually appealing and flavor-packed arrangement.
  5. Generously coat the entire skewer surface with the prepared herbal marinade, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  6. Sprinkle the seasoned skewers with premium sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, distributing the spices evenly across the surface.
  7. Position the prepared skewers onto the preheated grill grates, allowing them to cook undisturbed for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
  8. Monitor the salmon’s transformation, looking for a translucent-to-opaque color change that indicates perfect doneness without overcooking.
  9. Remove the grilled skewers from the heat and immediately garnish with additional fresh lemon juice, allowing the citrus notes to brighten the entire dish.
  10. Transfer the sizzling salmon skewers to a serving platter, presenting them while hot and at the peak of their aromatic glory.

Notes

  • Transforming fresh salmon into a vibrant, zesty meal takes just minutes with this foolproof grilling technique.
  • Skewering multiple ingredients ensures even cooking and creates a stunning presentation that impresses guests without complicated preparation.
  • Lemon’s bright acidity cuts through the rich salmon, delivering a balanced flavor profile that elevates the entire grilling experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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