Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

These Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With their juicy, flaky texture and bold flavors, these skewers promise to impress your guests. Not only are they quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, but they also feature vibrant ingredients that make every bite a delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: These skewers can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice infuses the salmon with a zesty flavor that enhances its natural richness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these skewers on their own or pair them with salads, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add vegetables to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
• Perfectly Grilled: The double skewer technique ensures even cooking and makes turning the salmon simple and stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with your Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon, gather all necessary tools. Having everything on hand makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bamboo skewers
• Grill
• Medium bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: They are essential for holding the salmon and lemon slices together while grilling. Soaking them prevents burning.
• Grill: A good grill allows for even cooking and imparts that delicious smoky flavor to the salmon.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the marinade ingredients thoroughly before coating the salmon.
• Basting brush: This tool is great for applying the marinade evenly onto the skewered salmon.

Ingredients

These take less than 30 minutes to make and you end up with such juicy, flaky and flavorful salmon… you’ll want seconds!

For the Salmon

• 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (cut into 1-inch squares)

For the Marinade

• 2 large lemons thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)
• 2 large or 3 small garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp light olive oil
• 2 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice from 1/2 large lemon or 1 small lemon

How to Make Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

Step 1: Prep the Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least one hour to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375˚F).

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 2 Tbsp light olive oil, and 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Double skewer the salmon pieces along with folded lemon slices intermittently onto two skewers at a time. This technique helps turn the kebabs easily while grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

1. Brush both sides of the assembled skewers with the marinade mixture.
2. Oil the grill grates lightly before placing the skewers on it.
3. Grill kebabs for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and opaque.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon as a delightful main course!

How to Serve Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon are a delicious main course that can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Salad

• Mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.

Quinoa Pilaf

• Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with grilled salmon.

Rice Pilaf

• A fragrant rice pilaf, often cooked with broth and spices, adds a nice texture to your plate.

Grilled Vegetables

• Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus enhance the meal with their smoky flavor.

Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges add brightness and acidity, enhancing the flavors of the skewers.

Tzatziki Sauce

• A cool tzatziki made from yogurt and cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the savory salmon.

How to Perfect Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

To ensure your Grilled Salmon Skewers turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh salmon and herbs significantly enhance flavor.

• Soak skewers properly: Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.

• Preheat your grill: A hot grill helps achieve those perfect grill marks and cook the salmon evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave some space between pieces for even cooking and easy flipping.

• Monitor cooking time: Salmon cooks quickly; check for doneness after just 3-4 minutes per side.

• Let it rest: Allowing skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

Pairing your Grilled Salmon Skewers with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.

2. Couscous Salad: Light couscous tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley offers a refreshing bite.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast to savory salmon.

4. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance to your dinner plate.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the grilled fish.

6. Wild Rice Blend: Nutty wild rice mixed with herbs adds texture and flavor that pairs well with salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon, even small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the soaking step – Not soaking bamboo skewers can lead to burning. Always soak them for at least an hour before grilling.
• Over-marinating the salmon – Leaving salmon in the marinade too long can overpower its flavor. Marinate for just 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Not preheating the grill – Failing to preheat can result in sticking and uneven cooking. Ensure your grill reaches medium heat before placing the skewers on it.
• Underestimating cooking time – It’s easy to remove salmon too early. Watch for it to be opaque and flake easily to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Neglecting to oil the grill grates – Skewers can stick without oil. Grease your grill grates before cooking to prevent this issue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled salmon skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation buildup.

Freezing Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

• Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little oil if desired. Cook skewers for about 3-4 minutes, turning gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon that may help you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I use frozen salmon for grilled salmon skewers?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and skewering.

What other vegetables can I add to my grilled salmon skewers?

You can add bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or onions for extra flavor and color.

How do I know when my grilled salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

Can I make grilled salmon skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the skewers ahead, marinate them, and store them in the fridge until ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Garlic and Dijon are not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your choice of vegetables or adjusting the marinade ingredients. This recipe is perfect for quick meals or gatherings, so give it a try!