Ninja Grilled Salmon

By Christie Vanover | Published September 1, 2022 | Last Updated April 11, 2023

What is salmon

Salmon is an extremely popular fish in the U.S. It is both caught in the wild and farm-raised. Some markets have fresh salmon, but more often (depending on your region), you’ll find that it’s been previously frozen.

Salmon has a mild taste and a tender texture, which is what makes it so popular. It also handles heat well, which is why it’s perfect on the grill.

Salmon has a signature red or pink color that makes it stand out from other fish. That color develops because of the fish’s diet.

Fish raised in the wild are more likely to have a natural, richer red hue, because they eat crustaceans like small shrimp.

Farm-raised fish, on the other hand, are fed pellets. You know like the kind you get out of the machine near the lake when you put a quarter in it.

Producers do sometimes make up for that difference in diet by adding red dye to farm-raised fish. If that is something important to you, be sure to read the labels carefully and talk to your local fish monger to find the fish that’s best for you and your budget and lifestyle.

To learn even more, read this great article about salmon from GirlCarnivore.com.

Ingredients

• Salmon Filet: Most filets come de-boned and about 18 inches long. In order for it to fit on the Ninja Grill, you will need to cut it in half.
• Oil: Any olive oil or vegetable oil will work.
• Brown Sugar: The brown sugar will help add color, crust and a touch of sweetness to the rub. You can use light or dark brown sugar.
• Salt and Pepper: With all rubs, I suggest using kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper, because they add more texture than table salt and fine ground black pepper.
• Granulated Garlic: I prefer granulated, but you can also use garlic powder or fresh minced garlic.
• Ground Ginger: This will add a unique, slightly citrusy profile to your rub.
• Cayenne: Add just a touch of ground cayenne pepper for some heat.

Substitutions: If you don't have time or the ingredients to make your own rub, you can use a pre-made seafood rub or lemon pepper.

How to cook Grilled Salmon on a Ninja Grill

1. STEP ONE: Make the seasoning by combining all of the spices in a small bowl.

2. STEP TWO: Cut the filet in half, so it will fit on the Ninja Grill. You can also cook it into smaller, 2-inch pieces.

3. STEP THREE: Brush both sides of the salmon filets with olive oil.

4. STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the salmon rub evenly on both sides and let the rub absorb into the fish while you preheat your grill.

5. STEP FIVE: Set the Ninja Grill to the grill setting. Set the temperature to high and the time to 20 minutes.

6. STEP SIX: Place the filets on the Ninja Grill skin side up and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip.

7. STEP SEVEN: Cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F degrees and the fish starts to flake apart. To measure the internal temperature, place an instant read meat thermometer in through the side of the filet toward the center.

How to serve grilled salmon

Remove the grilled salmon filet and place it on a presentation platter with some fresh greens and lemon slices. The color is phenomenal because of the grill’s convection technology and the brown sugar in the rub.

Portion it for each diner with a great side like grilled balsamic Brussels sprouts.

Or, serve it as an appetizer with a small fork, so people can spread it on crackers or toast points.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can leave the filet whole, or break it into pieces.

Reheat it in a microwave or air fryer.

You can also freeze grilled salmon for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to serve it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it in the Ninja Grill on air crisp with a temp of 375F for a few minutes, until it’s warm and crispy on the outside.

Ninja Grilled Salmon

This Ninja Grilled Salmon recipe is flaky and delicious and includes an easy homemade sweet and salty salmon rub.

Recipe by Christie Vanover

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe

Ingredients

 

• ▢ 3 lb salmon filet
• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil

Salmon Rub

• ▢ 1 tbsp kosher salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ▢ 2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• ▢ 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• ▢ 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• ▢ 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

 

• Make Rub: Combine all of the rub ingredients in a small bowl and combine.
• Season: Cut the salmon in half so it will fit on the Ninja Grill. Brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with rub.
• Heat Grill: Set the Ninja Grill to the grill function. Set the heat to high and the time to 20 minutes.
• Grill: Place the filets on the grill skin side up. Grill for 5-6 minutes. Flip. Grill for 8-10 minutes to an internal temperature of 145F degrees. Remove from the grill and serve.

Notes

The grill time is set to more time than is needed, so the grill doesn’t turn off, just in case the cook time takes a minute or so longer than expected.

If using the Ninja Woodfire Grill, you can add smoke flavor by pressing the Woodfire Flavor Technology button after selecting the grill cook function.

If you cut the filet into smaller 2-3-inch size serving portions, you will likely need to reduce the cook time by 2-3 minutes, because the pieces will cook faster.

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 45gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1264mgPotassium: 1128mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

Brag About Your BBQShare it on Instagram using #GirlsCanGrill