Salmon — ingredient
All Ingredients
Fish & Seafood

Salmon

Salmon is a versatile fish with a rich, buttery flavour and a firm, oily flesh that holds up exceptionally well to BBQ cooking. When cooked over fire, it develops a delicate smokiness that complements its natural sweetness. The skin crisps beautifully when placed skin-side down on a medium-high heat, helping to protect the flesh from direct flames and retain moisture. This makes it ideal for grilling or smoking, where you want tender, flaky results without drying out the fish. For best flavour, finish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, or a sharp, citrus-based dressing to cut through the richness. When selecting salmon, look for vibrant, firm flesh with a fresh, ocean scent. Wild-caught varieties tend to have a deeper flavour and more complex texture compared to farmed options, though both can be excellent if sourced responsibly. Avoid fillets that appear dull or have a strong fishy odour, as these are signs of ageing or poor handling. Whole fish can also be cooked on the BBQ for an impressive presentation and even cooking. Store salmon in the coldest part of your fridge and use it within two days of purchase for optimal freshness. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge rather than at room temperature to maintain texture and safety. Proper handling ensures your BBQ salmon delivers the clean, satisfying flavour that Smoke & Soil stands for.

umami

Preparation

Pat dry. Score skin 3–4 times to prevent curling. Season with salt 10 minutes ahead, then pat dry again. Oil the flesh rather than the grill grate.

Cooking

Skin-side down over medium-high direct heat. Don't move until it releases naturally, 4–5 minutes. Finish flesh-side 1–2 minutes. Pull at 50–55°C for silky texture. Cedar plank smoking produces beautiful results.

Health Notes

Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. These essential fats help reduce inflammation and support overall wellbeing. Including oily fish like salmon in your diet a couple of times a week is a practical way to boost your intake of these important nutrients. Additionally, salmon provides a good amount of vitamins B12 and D, both of which play vital roles in energy metabolism and bone health. Its nutrient density makes it a smart choice for clean, whole-food cooking that fits well with a balanced lifestyle.

Substitutions