We are gearing up for Wild Alaska Salmon Day by grilling up this delicious Alaska foil packet grilled coho salmon. Coho salmon is creamy and has a mild delicate flavor.
Fire up your grills because this Alaska salmon foil packet recipe is perfect for cooking on a grill! I include a video to show you how easy this simple dinner recipe is to make! If you love seafood as much as we do, you will want to check out these amazing gluten free seafood recipes!
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(*This post was created in partnership with Alaska Seafood. I received compensation to facilitate my review, but all opinions are my own.)
I am so excited to share with you my favorite way to cook Alaska salmon with you. This grilled Alaska coho salmon makes a quick and easy dinner, and this recipe is so versatile you can even make it while camping!
Do your kids like seafood? I feel fortunate that my kids love salmon. I suspect it is because of the creamy mild flavor, but as long as they like it, I'm happy. Alaska salmon is not only high in protein, but it is full of healthy Omega 3's, Vitamin D, and Selenium too!
Did you know there are several types of salmon? Each has a slightly different flavor. What is important is to make sure you are buying Alaska salmon because it provides a wide range of seafood possibilities and healthful options!
Types of Salmon:
- King salmon
- Sockeye
- Coho
- Keta
- Pink
All five varieties of Alaska salmon are available fresh and/or frozen all year round. I was able to find coho salmon frozen and at our fish counter. I opted to buy fresh Alaska salmon for this post, but I will also walk you through how to defrost your salmon.
For this recipe, I used Alaska silver coho salmon, but you can use any salmon. Alaska is very proud to be our nation’s largest source of domestic seafood – nearly 60 percent of all the wild seafood harvested in the U.S. comes from the pristine waters of Alaska.
Alaska coho lends itself to a host of preparation styles. Coho salmon is the second largest Alaska salmon species and is known for its orange-red flesh, delicate flavor and firm texture. Wild Alaska coho is available mid-June through late October and frozen year-round."
How to grill salmon in foil packets.
Instructions:
The first step is to layout the thawed Alaska salmon on a plate. Top with salt, fresh herbs like thyme and chives, and fresh lime slices.
Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the Alaska salmon. Transfer the fish to a large piece of aluminum foil for grilling. Preheat the grill.
Grillin salmon in foil packets is perfect for camping or cookouts. Clean up is super quick and easy...no scrubbing dishes!
Place the Alaska salmon on the grill and fold the foil around the fish. Close the grill cover and allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon is.
More delicious seafood recipes to try:
- This Pesto Grilled Alaska Halibut Steak is firm and delicious, making it perfect to cook on a grill.
- One of my favorites, this Grilled Alaska Salmon with Tomatillo Papaya Salsa is popular with kids.
- If you are looking for something different, the perfect introduction to fish, this Cod Alfredo is a great beginner seafood recipe.
How can you tell when the salmon is cooked?
- Open up the foil and make sure the fish is cooked.
- The Alaska salmon should be firm to the touch.
- Alaska coho salmon should give away when you insert a fork into it. The fish should not flake.
- The meat should not look translucent, which means it is still raw inside.
Is wild coho salmon mercury-safe?
Yes, studies have found that most types of salmon are very low in mercury. It is safe to eat salmon 2-3 times a week.
How long will grilled salmon keep in the fridge?
Grilled salmon will last around 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. When storing seafood, I usually prefer glass containers with lids.
You can keep the salmon in the freezer for 4-6 months in an airtight container. To defrost, soak the container in a bath of cool water until it is no longer frozen. Then you can heat it in the oven at 275 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water, so the fish doesn’t dry out when baking. You will have better results in heating the coho salmon slowly.
How to tell if salmon has gone bad?
You can tell the salmon has gone bad if it has an extra-strong fish odor. All fish has some kind of odor, but if it is pungent, then it should be tossed. Additionally, if salmon is bad, it may take on ammonia or sour smell.
Don’t eat it if you notice any of these odors. Bacteria and mold have most likely started to develop at this point, and it could make you sick.
Slice the Alaska salmon up for easy servings. Dinner is ready in under 20 minutes!!!
More cooking ideas:
Grilling this coho salmon recipe is my favorite way to serve it. However, if you don’t have access to a grill or it’s cold outside you can cook the salmon a few other ways. Here are some ideas:
- Pan-Seared - Put avocado oil in the pan and heat it, add the coho salmon. Cook for 4-6 minutes then flip the salmon over. If it sticks to the pan, it needs to cook a couple of minutes longer. Once it easily releases from the pan, you can flip it and cook for 3 additional minutes or as long as needed.
- Baked - Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake coho salmon on a non-stick baking sheet for 11-14 minutes.
- Broiled - Place salmon on a sheet pan or moist cedar plank and place in broiler for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, check salmon and turn off the broiler. Allow fish to stand in the broiler for 2-5 additional minutes, and it should be done.
Sides:
- Everyone loves this easy Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots recipe.
- A simple salad that is a crowd-pleaser. Butter Leave, Sprout, Carrot, and Pomegranate Salad with Turmeric Vinaigrette
- Brussels sprouts and bacon were made to go together in this Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- For my zucchini lovers, this Grilled Zucchini is a great side.
📋 Recipe
Grilled Coho Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Alaska coho salmon (De-boned)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives
- 1 lime (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill.
- Lay out the coho salmon filets. Coat with salt, herbs, and sliced limes.
- Drizzle avocado oil on top.
- Place the filets onto a large piece of aluminum foil.
- Wrap the fish in the foil packets.
- Grill for 8 minutes until done.
- Serve hot.
Video
Nutrition
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Jill
Why have I not thought of using foil before? I have ruined my fair share of fish by trying to grill it directly on the grill grates. Going to try your recipe next time. My whole family loves salmon.
Sandi Gaertner
I hear you...foil makes an easy clean up too 🙂