"It's so easy to cook pizza on the grill using a pizza stone! These grilled salmon pizzas are topped with caramelized red onions, flakes of marinated salmon, lemon and fresh herbs from the garden. Perfect for a summertime pizza party!"
Grilled Salmon Pizza
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Recipe Intro From rebeccasherrow
Grilled salmon pizza is a quick and delicious recipe that's perfect for any night of the week. This easy pizza features cedar-planked salmon, caramelized onions, and creamy mozzarella, making it an unforgettable meal.
Recipe Description
This recipe works because it combines the smoky flavor of cedar-planked salmon with the richness of caramelized onions and cream cheese, all on a crispy pizza crust. I love how the lemon zest and parsley add a fresh finishing touch, making each bite burst with flavor. Plus, it's a unique twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to impress your guests.
Jump to Section
- Salmon Pizza Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Salmon Pizza Ingredients
Everything you need to make grilled salmon pizza.
Cedar Planked Salmon: Cedar Bay Grilling Co. cedar planked salmon adds a unique smoky flavor to this pizza. The cedar plank infuses the salmon with a distinct, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. If you can't find cedar-planked salmon, you can substitute any high-quality grilled or smoked salmon, but try to maintain that subtle smoky essence for the best result.
Test Kitchen Notes
Choosing the Salmon: Cedar Bay Grilling Co. cedar planked salmon is a fantastic choice for this recipe because of its smoky, aromatic flavor. If you can't find this specific product, opt for another cedar-planked or high-quality grilled salmon to ensure a similar flavor profile.
Prepping the Grill: Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the cedar plank salmon. A hot grill ensures even cooking and helps the salmon absorb the smoky cedar flavor. Use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overcooking.
Caramelizing Onions: Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it's worth the effort. Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and jammy. If they start to stick, add a splash of water to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
Spreading the Cream Cheese: For easy spreading, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This will allow you to evenly coat the pizza crust without tearing it. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the cream cheese for a few seconds to soften it.
Using a Pizza Stone: A preheated pizza stone is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet, but the crust might not be as crispy. Allow the pizza stone to heat up on the grill while the salmon cooks for the best results.
Serving: Allow the pizzas to cool slightly before cutting. This helps the toppings set and makes slicing easier. Use a sharp pizza cutter or chef’s knife for clean, even slices.
FAQs
Is salmon good on pizza?
Absolutely! Salmon, especially when smoked or grilled, adds a rich, savory flavor to pizza that pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy, protein-packed seafood into a familiar dish.
How long does it take to grill salmon?
Grilling salmon typically takes about 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. You should cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F. For cedar-planked salmon, the cedar plank helps to infuse the fish with a subtle smoky flavor while grilling.
Who invented smoked salmon pizza?
Smoked salmon pizza is often attributed to the culinary innovation of California cuisine, popularized by chefs like Wolfgang Puck in the 1980s. Puck's famous smoked salmon pizza, which features dill cream, red onions, and capers, became a signature dish at his restaurant Spago in Beverly Hills.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked or grilled salmon?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon, but it’s best to cook it before adding it to the pizza. Grilling, smoking, or baking the salmon will add depth of flavor that raw salmon cannot provide. Make sure to season the fresh salmon well before cooking.
Can I add other toppings to salmon pizza?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salmon pizza with additional toppings like capers, fresh dill, arugula, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors so the salmon remains the star ingredient.
How do I prevent my pizza from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy pizza, make sure your ingredients are not too wet. Caramelize the onions properly to reduce moisture, and ensure the salmon is well-cooked and flaked. Using a preheated pizza stone also helps to achieve a crispy crust by absorbing excess moisture.
Prep time 30mins
Cook time 30mins
Serves or Makes: makes 2 pizzas
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 (24 ounce) Cedar Bay Grilling Co. cedar planked salmon
- 2 pre-baked pizza crust
- 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cups grated mozzarella
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Method
Step 1
To caramelize the onions, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet.
Step 2
Add the sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3
Turn the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–35 minutes, until the onions are very soft, caramelized, and jammy. If the pan becomes too dry, add a splash of water so that the onions don’t burn.
Step 4
Set the caramelized onions aside.
Step 5
Prepare and preheat the grill by placing a pizza stone onto the grill grate to preheat.
Step 6
When the grill is hot, place the cedar-planked salmon on the grill and cook, with the lid down, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 150°F, approximately 18–22 minutes.
Step 7
When the salmon is done, remove it from the grill and cover it with foil.
Step 8
Use a fork to flake the grilled salmon.
Step 9
Brush each crust with olive oil. Spread 4 ounces of cream cheese on each crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the crust.
Step 10
Spread the caramelized onions, salmon, and grated mozzarella evenly over the cream cheese.
Step 11
Sprinkle the edges of the pizzas with freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 12
Cook the pizzas one at a time. Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 7–8 minutes, until the crust is golden. Repeat with the second pizza.
Step 13
Carefully transfer the pizzas to a large cutting board and allow them to cool. Mix the parsley and lemon zest together in a small bowl. Just before cutting the pizzas, sprinkle the parsley mixture over the top.