Grilled Salmon BLT with Charred Scallion Mayo Recipe

This incredible Grilled Salmon BLT elevates the classic sandwich to new heights with perfectly seasoned salmon and a game-changing charred scallion mayo. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors sandwiched between crispy grilled sourdough. When you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this sandwich delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smoky grilled salmon pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
• That Special Mayo: The charred scallion mayo isn’t just a condiment—it’s a revelation that transforms this sandwich from good to unforgettable.
• Weeknight Friendly: Despite its gourmet taste, this sandwich comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something special without the fuss.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning, bread type, or toppings to suit your preferences while maintaining the core deliciousness of this sandwich.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon: The star of the show, providing a meaty, flavorful base. Choose a fresh, high-quality filet for best results.
• Bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky crunch that makes any sandwich better. Cook it until properly crispy for the perfect texture contrast.
• Sourdough Bread: Offers a slight tanginess and sturdy structure that stands up to the hearty fillings. The grilled slices add another layer of flavor.
• Scallions: When charred, they develop a sweet, smoky flavor that transforms ordinary mayonnaise into something extraordinary.
• Tomatoes: Provide juicy freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the salmon and bacon.
• Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our charred scallion magic. Use a good quality mayo for the best flavor.
• Spice Blend: The combination of smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes creates a perfect seasoning crust on the salmon.

Variations

Different Fish Options

Not a salmon fan? Try this recipe with grilled tuna steaks, swordfish, or even firm white fish like halibut or mahi-mahi.

Bread Alternatives

While sourdough is fantastic, this sandwich works beautifully with ciabatta, focaccia, or even a whole grain bread for added nutrition.

Vegetable Swaps

Add avocado slices for creaminess, swap the romaine for peppery arugula, or add thinly sliced cucumber for extra freshness.

Make It Spicy

Kick up the heat by adding jalapeño slices to your sandwich or incorporating hot sauce into your scallion mayo.

How to Make Grilled Salmon BLT

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Cook your bacon until perfectly crispy. You can do this in a skillet or in the oven, and even prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Preheat your grill to 400-450°F. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Mix together the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture generously over the salmon.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon on the hot grill. Close the lid and let it cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s opaque and pink throughout. Remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 4: Grill the Bread and Scallions

While the salmon is cooking, place the bread slices on the grill until light grill marks appear, about 1-2 minutes per side. Add the whole scallions to the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re nicely charred.

Step 5: Make the Charred Scallion Mayo

Slice the grilled scallions and fold them into the mayonnaise. This can be made slightly ahead of time to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Slice the salmon into portions that fit your bread. Spread about a tablespoon of the scallion mayo on each slice of bread. On one slice, layer lettuce, salmon, tomato, and bacon. Top with another slice of bread, cut in half, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Salmon Thickness: For even cooking, try to select a salmon filet with consistent thickness throughout.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook a bit after removing from heat, so take it off the grill when it’s just barely opaque in the center.
• Bread Grilling: Keep a close eye on your bread while grilling—it goes from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!
• Mayo Upgrade: Make the scallion mayo up to a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop even more deeply.
• Even Bacon: For perfectly even bacon slices, start with cold bacon in a cold pan, then heat gradually to render the fat properly.

How to Serve

This hearty sandwich makes a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Side Dishes

Serve with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a light vegetable soup to round out the meal.

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold craft beer complements the smoky, savory flavors beautifully.

Presentation

Secure each sandwich half with a decorative toothpick and serve on wooden boards for a casual but impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Components

You can cook the bacon, make the scallion mayo, and prepare the seasoning mix up to a day ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, leftover components can be stored separately in the refrigerator. The assembled sandwich doesn’t store well, as the bread will get soggy.

Reheating

If you have leftover salmon, gently reheat it in a 275°F oven until just warmed through, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich without a grill?
Absolutely! You can pan-sear the salmon in a cast-iron skillet, toast the bread in a toaster or oven, and char the scallions in a hot dry pan. You’ll still get delicious results, though slightly less smoky.

What’s the best way to tell when salmon is done?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For medium doneness, the center should be slightly translucent. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 125-130°F for medium salmon.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
While fresh salmon provides the best texture and flavor for this sandwich, you can use good quality canned salmon in a pinch. Drain it well and season with the same spice blend, then warm it in a skillet before assembling your sandwich.

How can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the sourdough. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon BLT is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly special. The combination of flaky, seasoned salmon, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and that incredible charred scallion mayo creates a sandwich experience you won’t soon forget. Whether for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner, this recipe strikes that perfect balance between impressive and accessible. Give it a try next time you’re craving something beyond the ordinary!

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