Introduction
If you're seeking a flavorful outdoor seafood recipe that screams rustic elegance, this Wyoming Grilled Western Salmon recipe is for you. Using the Arteflame grill, we reverse sear seasoned salmon fillets for a flaky, juicy masterpiece infused with hardwood smoke and perfectly kissed by the buttery heat of the flat top griddle.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for lighting grill)
- 3 paper napkins
- Firewood (mesquite or hickory preferred)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill bowl.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat top cooktop is hot across the surface.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
- Brush each salmon fillet with melted butter on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over each fillet.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets skin side down directly on the center grill grate for 1 minute to quickly sear and lock in juices.
- Flip and sear the flesh side for another 1 minute.
Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Cooktop
- Move the salmon fillets from the center grate to the hotter inner zone of the flat top griddle, skin side down.
- Add a slice of lemon on top of each fillet and continue cooking until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (remove when it hits 110°F to allow carryover cooking).
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
- Remove salmon from the cooktop and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve with grilled sides from the Arteflame flat top.
Tips
- Always cook with skin-on salmon to protect the flesh and enhance flavor.
- Use butter over olive oil on the griddle to enrich the flavor and create a golden sear.
- Take advantage of the Arteflame's heat zones—sear meats in the center and finish cooking on the flat top.
- Remove meats 15°F below desired internal temperature for perfect doneness after resting.
- Sear lemon slices on the cooktop before placing them on the salmon for a caramelized citrus kick.
Variations
-
Maple-Dijon Glazed Salmon: Brush with a glaze of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard after searing.
-
Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap herbs with a Cajun spice blend and add a pat of butter with red pepper flakes while finishing on the cooktop.
-
Garlic-Lime Salmon: Replace lemon slices with lime, and add minced garlic mixed into the butter before brushing onto the fish.
-
Herb Crusted Salmon: Press a mix of fresh dill, parsley, and basil into the fillets before searing for a fresh herbal crust.
-
BBQ-Crusted Salmon: Rub with your favorite dry BBQ seasoning and baste with a smoky barbecue sauce during the final cooktop phase.
Best pairings
- Grilled asparagus or broccolini on the outer edge of the Arteflame griddle.
- Butter-crisp smashed potatoes cooked on the griddle alongside the fish.
- Sweet corn on the cob roasted with herb butter.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or dry Riesling.
- Char-grilled peach halves for dessert.
Conclusion
This Wyoming-style grilled salmon is rustic, elegant, and full of bold flavor. With the Arteflame's signature high-heat sear and wide griddle surface, you can grill your complete meal outdoors, mess-free. The reverse-searing method gives you perfectly moist salmon, finished to perfection with buttery crisp edges and layered flavor.