Delicious Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking fish over an open flame can be a delightful culinary adventure, offering rich flavors and enticing aromas. However, many people shy away from grilling seafood due to the common issue of sticking to the grill bars. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: wrapping salmon in bacon! This method not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious smoky flavor. Let’s dive into how to prepare this appetizing dish and turn your grilling experience into a delicious feast.

Preparing the Perfect Salmon for Grilling

Selecting Your Salmon

To ensure you have the ideal base for your bacon-wrapped salmon, choose skinless salmon fillets that are at least one inch thick. If one side is thinner than the other, don’t worry! You can cut the thinner section into larger pieces and fold them over to create a thicker portion. This recipe also works wonderfully with other firm white fish, such as cod or haddock.

Tips for Marinating Salmon

Salmon is a delicate protein. When marinating, the acidity from lemon juice can quickly start breaking down the proteins. For best results, add lemon juice no more than a couple of hours before grilling to maintain the fish’s texture.

Flavoring Your Salmon

Choosing Fresh Herbs

I typically use chives to coat the salmon, but feel free to get creative! You can use any soft, fresh herb you enjoy, such as:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Cilantro

Keep in mind that more robust herbs like rosemary or thyme can be overpowering, so use them sparingly if you choose to add them.

Grilling Techniques: Double Skewering

Benefits of Using Two Skewers

When preparing these delicious skewers, consider using two skewers instead of one for easier handling. This technique helps secure the bacon and ensures even cooking while making it easier to flip on the grill. A single skewer may rotate, making flipping a bit challenging.

Skewers: Metal vs. Wooden

I recommend using metal skewers as they are reusable and won’t char on the grill. However, if you only have wooden toothpicks on hand, that’s fine for this quick-cooking recipe.

Kebab-Style: Skewering for Success

Assembling Your Salmon Bites

For a fantastic presentation, thread the salmon on longer skewers, ensuring there’s space between each piece. This allows them to cook more evenly, and they may need a bit more time on the grill.

Grilling Setup: Creating the Perfect Heat Zones

Direct vs. Indirect Heat

Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, it is essential to set up two grilling zones:

• For Charcoal Grills: Place lit coals on one half, leaving the other half free of coals.
• For Gas Grills: Turn on the burners on one side and leave the other side off.

This setup provides direct heat for searing and indirect heat for cooking the salmon through.

Preventing Sticking: Key Techniques

Keeping Your Fish From Sticking

To allow for effortless flipping:

• Start with a clean, hot grill. Make sure the grill is heated and scrub the bars with a wire brush.
• Cook the salmon bites bacon-side down. If they stick when trying to flip, let them cook for a few more seconds until the bacon forms a crust, which will help it release from the grill.

Preparing for Guests: Make-Ahead Tips

Assembly and Preparation

You can prepare the salmon skewers up to two hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until your guests arrive. These bites are best served hot off the grill!

Quick Lemon Garlic Mayo

Pair your salmon bites with a lemon garlic mayo that’s quick and easy to prepare. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Serving Your Grilled Salmon Bites

Final Steps

Transfer the grilled salmon bites onto a platter and serve them hot, accompanied by your lemon garlic mayo for dipping. No need to fuss with removing the skewers; your guests will enjoy picking them up directly!

Conclusion

With these tips, grilling bacon-wrapped salmon bites becomes a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to delight your family and friends. Embrace this delicious recipe, and your next barbecue will be a resounding success!

Recipe Card:

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Mayo:

• 1 lemon
• 1.5 cups mayonnaise (150g)
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for Salmon Bites:

• 1.33 pounds skinless salmon filet (600g), at least 1 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 slices very thin bacon
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)

Creating unforgettable grilled dishes has never been easier. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills!