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    Home » Recipes

    Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill

    Published: Apr 19, 2021 · Modified: Jun 19, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 29 Comments

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    Long pin for how to make smoked salmon on a pellet grill with cooked salmon on a wood plank
    Long pin for how to make smoked salmon on a pellet grill with cooked salmon on a wood plank

    This smoked salmon recipe turns an ordinary piece of fish into an extraordinary, delectable, melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful morsel that will become a new favorite with just your first bite. What is really amazing is how easy it is—hardly any prep and utter deliciousness. I mean, seriously. It is so unbelievably easy!

    Smoked salmon fillet baked to perfection, placed on a slate board with slices of lemon beside it. this …

    We absolutely love salmon around here. Plus, it is incredibly healthy for you. It is very low in saturated fat and a good source of protein. It's also one of the best sources of vitamin B12, potassium, and other nutrients like iron and vitamin D.

    I also love how quick and easy this salmon is to cook up on a wood pellet grill. You mix the rub, put it on the salmon, and place it on the grill. Set the temperature, set the timer, and that's it! Super easy!

    A large fillet of salmon on a wood plank
    Jump to:
    • Why a pellet grill?
    • Do you have to brine salmon before smoking?
    • What are the best wood pellets to smoke salmon?
    • What is the best salmon for smoking?
    • How long does it take to smoke?
    • Is smoked salmon cooked?
    • Ingredients
    • How to smoke the salmon
    • Top tips for smoking
    • Side dishes
    • Related Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • More Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    Why a pellet grill?

    Over the last couple of years, my husband and I had heard really marvelous things about wood pellet grills. Our friends all told us how much they loved them, but we didn't think it was worth the added expense. We already had a natural gas BBQ; why buy something else that would do basically the same thing? Boy, were we wrong.

    This spring, it has been hot, so we decided to start the barbecue early. However, the burner on one side no longer worked. So it was time to buy another one. We did a bunch of research and decided that it was healthier to eat food over wood instead of food cooked over burnt gas.

    So, we decided to purchase a Pit Boss smoker 8-1 grill that uses 100% wood pellets as fuel instead of gas and propane. From the first time we used it, we were hooked. We love using it. It adds so much flavor. This is not a sponsored post; we love it that much.

    Pit Boss pellet grill smoking salmon

    Do you have to brine salmon before smoking?

    No, you don't have to brine salmon before smoking, not for this recipe anyway. That's just an extra step that you don't have to do. This is just a simple step-by-step recipe on how to smoke a salmon. We are not going to do anything too complicated this time. It turns out fantastic without brining it...trust me.

    What are the best wood pellets to smoke salmon?

    Hardwood pellets are the best for salmon. We use the Competition Blend, which is a mixture of maple, hickory, and cherry woods. Other good choices would be hickory and applewood.

    What is the best salmon for smoking?

    Larger pieces of salmon with a high oil content will be more flavorful and more tender when smoked. 

    • Chinook salmon: This has a high oil content and is one of the largest salmon.
    • Sockeye salmon: This also has a high oil content but has a firmer texture than Chinook.
    • Coho: This is lower in fat but is also super delicious. This is my husband's all-time favorite.

    How long does it take to smoke?

    This recipe only takes 1 hour at 275-300 degrees, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Thicker fillets will take longer than thinner fillets.

    Is smoked salmon cooked?

    Yes. This is hot smoked salmon, so it comes to a safe internal temperature and is fully cooked. You are slowly heating the salmon to a safe internal temp while the smoke from your wood chips infuses the salmon with a light smoky flavor, resulting in moist, melt-in-your-mouth salmon.

    Cooked salmon just taken off the pellet grill

    Ingredients

    With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare this delicious, moist, melt-in-your-mouth recipe.

    • Salmon. Fresh or frozen. About a 2-3 pound fillet. Leave the fillet whole.
    • Rub Ingredients: Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, raw sugar.

    How to smoke the salmon

    Preheat your smoker. Set the temperature to 275-300 degrees. Make sure you have topped it up with wood pellets of your choice. We like the Competition blend. Mix the ingredients for the spice rub (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and raw sugar) in a small bowl. Place salmon fillet on a large plate or dish and sprinkle spice mixture over the top of the salmon.

    Large fillet of salmon with spice rub on top

    When the grill has come up to the correct temperature, place salmon on the grill.

    Salmon on wood pellet grill

    Cook for about 1 hour at 275-300 degrees until the internal temperature of the salmon, measured in the middle of the thickest part, reaches 145 degrees.

    A fillet of salmon that has come up to temperature on the pellet grill

    Enjoy your smoked salmon immediately when it is done!

    A piece of cooked fish with a piece taken out with a fork

    Top tips for smoking

    • Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before placing it on the grill. This will ensure even cooking.
    • Invest in a high-quality temperature probe for your meat. We use the ThermPro-Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer. You just set the probes in the meat, set what kind of meat it's for, and it lets you know when it reaches that temperature. It is not advisable to open the lid during the cooking process, so you don't need to until the meat is cooked if you use a temperature probe.
    • Cook with the thermometer, not the clock. All grills cook differently, and there are so many variables that play a part in the cooking time, such as weather, different types of grills, fresh or frozen meat, etc.
    • Make sure you add your wood pellets before you start the grill. Check during the cooking time to make sure you don't run out.

    Side dishes

    Some of our favorite side dishes to eat with this decadent smoked salmon are Extra Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes, Perfectly Fluffy Rice Every Time, Coleslaw, or even Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. I also love this served with a fresh green salad.

    Looking for an oven-baked salmon recipe? Try Insanely Good Maple-Soy Glazed Salmon.

    Smoked salmon fillet cooked on pellet grill

    Related Recipes

    • Maple Glazed Salmon
    • Teriyaki Salmon Air Fryer
    • Smoked Stuffed Peppers
    • How To Smoke a Turkey on a Pellet Grill
    • Best Smoked Prime Rib Roast Recipe on Pellet Grill

    If you’ve tried this Smoked Salmon on the Pellet Grill or any other recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!

    You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Would you please tag me in your photos at @windingcreek_ranch? I would love to see your pictures!

    📋 Recipe

    Smoked salmon fillet baked to perfection, placed on a slate board with slices of lemon beside it.

    Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill

    This smoked salmon recipe turns an ordinary piece of fish into an extraordinary, delectable, melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful morsel that will become a new favorite with just your first bite. What is really amazing is how easy it is - hardly any prep and utter deliciousness. I mean, seriously. It is so unbelievably easy!
    4.76 from 135 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: All Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 236kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pellet grill
    • ThermPro Wireless Remote Digital Thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 pound salmon fillet
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon raw sugar or sweetener of your choice

    Instructions

    • Preheat the smoker to 300 degrees.
    • In a small bowl, make the spice rub by mixing paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the salmon.
    • Place the whole salmon fillet on the grill. If you have a temperature probe, insert it into the center of the thickest part of the meat. Close the grill lid.
    • Cook until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. This should take about 1 hour.
    • Remove from grill and place on serving platter.
    • Enjoy hot off the grill!

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only
    Make sure you do not run out of wood pellets.
    Allow leftovers to cool, then place in a container with a lid or wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 236kcal | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 166mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lara M

      December 01, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      Unfortunately my 1 piece of salmon was much smaller than the recipe, so it only took 25 min to cook. I’m SO glad you put what temp the fish should be when done, otherwise, it probably would’ve been salmon jerky. I also ordered pre-marinated salmon, so I wasn’t able to apply the full extent of your recipe, but I’m looking forward to in the future. I’ll definitely make this my go-to recipe.

      Reply
      • Jeri Walker

        December 01, 2022 at 3:14 pm

        I'm so glad you found the recipe helpful, Lara! And I'm thrilled you tried another one of my recipes! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Barry

      November 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

      do I use water in the smoker,or just pellets?

      Reply
      • Jeri Walker

        November 18, 2022 at 11:16 am

        Hi Barry! Just use wood pellets. 🙂

        Reply
    3. eDub

      August 05, 2022 at 9:06 am

      4 stars
      Great recipe that turned out stellar on my Louisiana Grills Black Label 1200 pellet grill!
      I went with "light" 1/2 tsp's of (fresh Penzey's) spices and 1/2 tsp of brown sugar.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        August 05, 2022 at 3:06 pm

        Thank you for trying out my smoked salmon recipe. I'm so glad to hear that you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. David Whalen

      July 02, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      I am new to pellet grills and this was my first time cooking salmon on any grill. It was so easy and seriously the best salmon I’ve had. Anywhere. This will be a regular item at our house from now on. I can’t wait to try your pork loin recipe tomorrow. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        July 02, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        Woo-hoo! I'm so glad to hear that you loved the smoked salmon and that you found it so easy! That's the goal of all my recipes! I'm also thrilled you're trying the pork loin tomorrow! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Danielle

      June 14, 2022 at 6:33 am

      5 stars
      Turned out delicious! Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        June 16, 2022 at 1:29 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Danielle! Thanks for trying it out!

        Reply
    6. Penny

      May 28, 2022 at 11:00 am

      the salmon goes directly on the grill, right? without any foil or anything?

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 28, 2022 at 11:02 am

        Hi, Penny! Yes, the salmon goes directly on the grill grate.

        Reply
    7. Jerome

      March 22, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      This may seem silly. I am use to doing my own catfish fillets with no skin. The salmon that I see has skin one side. Should I remove this? Thank you

      Reply
      • Jeri

        March 23, 2022 at 10:34 am

        Hi Jerome! The salmon we buy in the store generally has skin on one side, so I cook the salmon skin side down as the skin helps to retain moisture. However, if I caught my own salmon, I would fillet it with no skin attached and cook it with no skin. I hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Sam

      July 04, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Where do I put wood chips on pellet grill?

      Reply
      • Jeri

        July 04, 2021 at 5:48 pm

        On our pellet grill, there is a hopper that holds the wood pellets. Hope this helps 😊

        Reply
    9. Faith Still

      May 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I really want a smoker someday. Smoked salmon is one of our favorites!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 14, 2021 at 9:55 pm

        Thanks Faith! Smoked salmon is so easy to do!

        Reply
        • Kathi

          May 28, 2022 at 11:33 am

          do i need to let it sit out before cooking to get to room temp?

          Reply
          • Jeri

            May 28, 2022 at 11:37 am

            Hi, Kathi. Yes, you can let the salmon sit out for 15-20 minutes before placing it on the smoker to ensure even cooking.

            Reply
      • Penny

        May 28, 2022 at 11:10 am

        Do i need to bring it to room temperature before cooking?

        Reply
    10. Liz

      May 14, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      this salmon looks delish, thank you for all the helpful tips on how to smoke salmon!!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 14, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        Thanks, Liz, I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    11. Katie

      May 13, 2021 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is a really informative post. I learned so much!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 13, 2021 at 9:11 pm

        Thank you, Katie!

        Reply
    12. Jere Cassidy

      May 13, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I am new to smoking meats so I am glad to find this recipe and your great how to's so I don't screw up smoking my salmon.

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 13, 2021 at 5:59 pm

        I’m glad you like it, Jere, don’t worry, you can’t screw it up 😊

        Reply
    13. Nora

      May 13, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      Wow this sounds amazing! Can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 13, 2021 at 6:00 pm

        Thanks Nora, I hope you like it!

        Reply

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