Barbecued Salmon with Tequila, Chilli & Lime
Here in Australia we’re lucky to have some of the best quality salmon in the world. This BBQ recipe by Greg Bowers proves why salmon pairs so well with hot, zesty flavours. It’s spicy and impressive enough to serve at a formal dinner, the lime and the jalapeños giving it a Mexican kick.

Ingredients
- 2-3 limes
- 1/3 cup good tequila (reposado or anejo)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 finely chopped seeded jalapeño peppers
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 kg fresh salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon butter
Method
Grate peel from limes, chop finely and place in a bowl. Squeeze ½ cup lime juice and combine with lime peel, chopped jalapeños, sugar, chilli powder, oil and salt
Place salmon and marinade into a large resealable plastic bag. Marinade for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably 4 or more hours.
Place the salmon, skin side down, on the BBQ over medium heat and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is done.
While salmon is grilling, pour remaining marinade into saucepan. Add butter and reduce to half.
Pour reduced marinade on salmon and serve with grilled fresh vegetables.
TIPS Marinating salmon enhances its flavor and tenderness, but because it's a delicate fish, you don’t want to marinate it too long. Here are some tips to get the best results: Choose the Right Marinade Ingredients Acid (optional, use sparingly): Lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar help tenderize but can "cook" the fish if left too long. Use mild acids like orange juice if marinating for more than 30 minutes. Oil: Olive oil, sesame oil, or avocado oil help keep the fish moist. Salt & Soy Sauce: Enhances flavor and helps the fish absorb the marinade. Sweeteners (optional): Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar add depth and caramelization. Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, shallots, or herbs like dill and thyme add complexity. Don't Over-Marinate 15-30 minutes: Ideal for a light, balanced flavor. Up to 1 hour: Works for bolder flavors but avoid going over 2 hours, especially if using citrus or vinegar, which can break down the fish and make it mushy. Use a Zip-Top Bag or Shallow Dish Place the salmon in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. This ensures even coating - Turn the salmon halfway through for an even soak. Refrigerate While Marinating - Keep the salmon in the fridge to prevent bacteria growth. Never marinate at room temperature. Pat Dry Before Cooking Remove excess marinade before grilling, searing, or baking to get a nice crust and avoid steaming the fish. Best Flavor Combinations Classic Lemon & Herb: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper. Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, sriracha. Maple-Dijon: Maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, black pepper. Mediterranean: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes.
Best fuel for a quick grill
Our Pitmaster’s Pick, plus two great alternatives.
Based on Heat Beads® testing. Burn times vary with fuel, BBQ and weather.
See the full comparison






