Grill/Barbecue

Lemongrass Salmon Skewers

May 23, 2024
5
8 Ratings
Photo by César Pérez
  • Prep time 40 minutes
  • Cook time 10 minutes
  • Serves 6 to 8
Author Notes

Shish kebabs, satay, yakitori, pinchos, souvlaki—these are the dishes that come to mind when someone mentions warm-weather foods. I crave skewers, slightly charred, dare I say burnt, and a bit sticky and sweet. They can be quickly thrown together, too. Whether it's slathering supermarket barbecue sauce on a chicken thigh pincho or dousing a pork souvlaki in bottled lemon juice, I'm all in.

But these salmon skewers feel special, like you went the extra mile. Cubed pieces of salmon filet are soaked in a bold marinade, heavy on the lemongrass and lime, then grilled until slightly charred on the outside but just shy of being cooked all the way through. Feel free to cook them longer if you prefer your salmon well done. Serve them right on the skewers or over some white rice. I wouldn't mind if you tucked the salmon pieces between two slices of potato bread, either. —César Pérez

What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
Lemongrass Salmon Skewers
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 pounds salmon filet, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, tender parts finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1/3 cup cilantro macho or regular cilantro, finely chopped, fronds reserved if using cilantro macho
  • 3 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 limes, zested and juiced, plus 2 thinly sliced limes for the skewers
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Cooking spray, for grill pan
  • Double-prong metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked overnight in water
Directions
  1. Cut salmon filet into 2-inch pieces.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lime juice and zest, honey, salt, and white pepper. Add lemongrass, garlic, cilantro, ground coriander, and whisk to combine.
  3. Add salmon pieces into a resealable bag along with marinade and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Using double prong metal skewers or two wooden skewers that have been soaked overnight, thread 5 pieces of salmon along with 3 to 4 thin slices of lime in an alternating fashion.
  6. Spray the preheated grill pan liberally with cooking spray. Place the skewers on the grill pan, ensuring that they aren’t touching and you have enough room to move them around. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
  7. Remove from the grill pan and finish with a pinch more of salt, a squeeze of lime, and the reserved cilantro macho fronds or chopped cilantro.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Alan Citron
    Alan Citron
  • Nicole Davis
    Nicole Davis
  • Erin McNicholas
    Erin McNicholas
  • Laura
    Laura
César Pérez

Recipe by: César Pérez

Recipe Developer & Food52 Test Kitchen Content Creator

5 Reviews

Alan C. September 9, 2024
This is fantastic. One of the best salmon dishes I've ever made, and I've made dozens. It enhances, but doesn't overwhelm the natural taste of the salmon, unlike a lot of recipes. This will be on repeat at our house.
 
Erin M. August 20, 2024
This was soooo good!
 
Laura June 13, 2024
These were delicious and easy! Wish the actual skewers sold for a bit less money, but I used my boring, metal skewers and they worked fine. I also grilled on the flat side of my griddle pan, and I thought it helped give more crusty bits. I love your recipes, so keep them coming!
 
CuocaPazza June 5, 2024
... and then what? Missing some info here.
 
Nicole D. June 7, 2024
Hi CuocaPazza—I'm so sorry for the delay. I just updated with the final steps. Hope you will still try these, they're terrific!