Keto Grilled Salmon Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide

Salmon is an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a wealth of protein and heart-healthy fats with virtually no carbohydrates. This article explores various keto-friendly grilled salmon recipes, providing options for every palate and skill level. From simple preparations that highlight the natural flavors of the fish to more complex marinades and sauces, we'll cover everything you need to know to create delicious and healthy keto salmon dishes.

Why Salmon is Ideal for a Keto Diet

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and potassium. A 4-ounce serving contains approximately 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat, making it an ideal food for maintaining ketosis. All cuts of salmon, including fillets, canned salmon, and smoked salmon, are keto-friendly.

However, it's crucial to avoid non-keto-friendly additions like sauces thickened with flour or high-carb side dishes. When dining out, always inquire about marinades and glazes to ensure they align with your dietary goals.

Basic Keto Grilled Salmon

This simple recipe enhances the natural taste of salmon with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, about 250g/8.8 oz each)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, basil, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the marinade over both sides of the salmon fillets.
5. Grill the salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Ginger Lime Salmon with Cauliflower Rice

This recipe combines the zesty flavors of ginger and lime with the health benefits of cauliflower rice.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (approx 250 g/ 8.8 oz each)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos (15 ml)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce or oyster sauce (15 ml)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (15 ml)
• Zest of one lime
• 1 tbsp Sriracha chilli sauce (15 ml)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger root
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
• Optional: 4 tsp sesame seeds for sprinkling

Cauliflower Rice:

• 1 medium cauliflower (720 g/ 1.6 lb)
• 2 tbsp ghee, butter or virgin coconut oil (30 ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Add salmon fillets. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor.
3. Prepare the cauliflower rice by placing cauliflower florets into a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice. Aim for about 1 1/2 cups of fresh cauli-rice per serving, using a grating blade for best results.
4. Finely chop garlic.
5. Preheat the grill to high, or oven to 240 °C/ 465 °F (fan assisted), or 260 °C/ 480 °F (conventional).
6. Melt butter or ghee in a frypan on medium to high heat. Add cauliflower and garlic and cook, stirring constantly for five to ten minutes, or until cauliflower is just softened.
7. Place salmon fillets on a lined baking tray and bake in oven for 5 - 7 minutes.
8. Finish off by grilling under high heat for just a couple of minutes to get a lovely char on the fish. Be very careful not to overcook the salmon though - you want to keep it juicy and tender.
9. Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil.
10. Serve with the cooked cauli-rice and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds.
11. Cauliflower rice can be stored in the refrigerator, covered for up to five days.

Paleo Cilantro Lime Grilled Salmon

This recipe offers a tender, flaky, and flavorful salmon dish with a vibrant cilantro lime sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or keto-friendly sweetener
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Olive oil for grilling

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the ghee, garlic, lime juice, honey, sea salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cilantro.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat and brush well with oil.
4. Arrange the salmon on a platter and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, then brush with half of the sauce.
5. Place the salmon on the preheated grill flesh side down and cook 3 minutes.
6. Once done, transfer to a clean serving platter and drizzle with the remaining sauce.

10-Minute Keto Salmon

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, ready in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Parsley
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pat dry the salmon with a paper towel before sprinkling with salt and pepper.
2. Rub lemon juice over each fillet.
3. Add the olive oil to a non-stick pan and place it over medium heat.
4. Place the salmon fillets flesh side down onto the pan, pressing lightly so that it sears. Sear for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden.
5. Flip and cook for a further two minutes.
6. Add the butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of fresh parsley, and stir around each fillet.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and place each salmon fillet on a plate. Drizzle with the pan juices and sprinkle with more parsley.

Keto Sticky-Sweet Glazed Salmon

This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors for a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on)
• 1 tbsp butter/oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp keto brown sweetener
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix together the glaze ingredients (garlic, keto brown sweetener, coconut aminos, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice) in a small bowl.
2. Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat the butter and oil in a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the fish fillets to the pan in a single layer, skin side down. Use a spatula to press down on top of each fillet for 10 seconds. Then, cook for 3 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce over the fish fillets and transfer them to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 5 to 9 minutes at 400 degrees, or until just cooked through. The USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Low Carb BBQ Rubbed Salmon

This recipe features a spicy and sweet BBQ rub with a creamy garlic herb sauce.

Ingredients:

BBQ Rubbed Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tsp smokey paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Swerve brown sweetener
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Garlic Herb Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, oregano, chives)
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. To make the herb sauce, add the garlic and fresh herbs to a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Then add the sour cream and pulse until everything is well combined.
2. Get out a small bowl and mix together all the bbq spices to make the rub.
3. Cut the fresh salmon into equal pieces. Spray with cooking spray on both sides or rub a little bit of olive oil so that the spices stick.
4. If making on a grill pan inside: Get out the grill pan, spray with nonstick cooking spray and heat to medium-high heat.
5. Cook for about 7-9 minutes and then flip it over and cook for about 5 minutes more.
6. Let them sit and rest for about 5 minutes. When ready to eat, place the salmon on a platter and serve the herb sauce on the side.

Grilled Salmon with Low-Carb Marinade

This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful low-carb marinade to enhance the natural taste of salmon.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Ingredients:

• 4 Salmon fillets
• ¼ cup Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• ½ tsp Paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare your grilled salmon marinade by combining olive oil, soy sauce, dried basil, and paprika in a bowl.
2. Pour your prepared marinade over the salmon and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. If using an outdoor gas grill, close your grill lid for even cooking. Cook salmon for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Once cooked, your internal grilled salmon temp should be 145°F.

Blackened Salmon on the Grill

This recipe creates a deliciously crispy crust on the outside and moist, juicy fish on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (with skin)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Homemade Blackened Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill on high.
2. Start by making sure your salmon is dry.
3. Rub both sides of the salmon with a little olive oil and sprinkle both side of the salmon with the spice.
4. Oil the grates, put the salmon fillets flesh (spice)-side down on the grill.
5. Flip it over and cook on the other side, with the grill closed, another 3-4 minutes depending on how thick your fillet is.

Tips for Grilling Salmon

• Keep the Salmon Cold: The oil will adhere better with cold fish, so keep the salmon in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start the recipe.
• Have a HOT Grill or Pan: Ensure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the salmon.
• Don’t Move the Fish: Once you put the salmon on the grill, don’t move it around. This allows for a good sear.
• Watch for Flare-Ups: Keep an eye on the grill to make sure you don’t have any flare-ups. Sometimes the fat from the salmon drips onto the grill making it flame up.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon should be slightly rare in the center when done. It should be just barely opaque, usually taking about 8 minutes per inch.
• Preventing Albumin: To prevent albumin (the white, slimy stuff) from appearing, press lightly on each piece with a spatula for about 10 seconds after placing it in the pan. Cooking the fish skin-side down also helps.

Indoor Grilling Options

When outdoor grilling isn't an option, an indoor grill can work perfectly. Indoor grills like the Cuisinart Griddler or a grill pan on the stovetop are convenient alternatives. These grills cook from the top and bottom at the same time, making short work of grilling fish.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled salmon pairs well with a variety of low-carb side dishes, including:

• Cauliflower rice
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Grilled vegetables
• Simple green salad

Freezing and Reheating

• To Freeze: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in an airtight container and pour the pan juices around the sides.
• To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight or in cold water.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #grilled #salmon #recipe