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There’s something magical about perfectly grilled salmon—tender, flaky, and infused with smoky flavors. But when you add a rich, creamy lemon garlic butter on top? It becomes an unforgettable dish. This Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter recipe is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs elevate the natural richness of the salmon, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
Key Ingredients
The star of this recipe is, of course, the salmon fillets, which provide a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The lemon garlic butter is where the magic happens—combining room-temperature butter, fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon zest for a burst of flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper ensure the salmon is perfectly seasoned before hitting the grill.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
| Salmon | Lemon Garlic Butter |
|---|---|
| ▢ 4 salmon fillets | ▢ ½ cup butter, at room temperature |
| â–¢ 1 tablespoon olive oil | â–¢ 2 teaspoons finely chopped herbs |
| â–¢ Salt and pepper | â–¢ 2 teaspoons minced garlic |
| ▢ Zest of 1 lemon, about ½ teaspoon | |
| ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt |
Helpful Tools
To make this recipe a breeze, here are three essential tools:
1. Grill or Grill Pan – Ensures even cooking and those beautiful grill marks.
2. Mixing Bowl – For combining the lemon garlic butter ingredients.
3. Fish Spatula – Helps flip the salmon without breaking it.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon
- 1. Pat the Salmon Dry – This helps achieve a crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
- 2. Use Room-Temperature Butter – It blends smoothly with the herbs and garlic.
- 3. Don’t Overcook – Salmon is best when slightly pink in the center.
- 4. Experiment with Herbs – Try dill, parsley, basil, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- 5. For a Spicy Twist – If you love heat, check out this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Best Recipe for inspiration!
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
Follow these simple steps for a restaurant-worthy dish:
- 1. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter – In a bowl, combine softened butter, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and salt. Mash with a fork until fully mixed.
- 2. Prep the Salmon – Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel, then drizzle with olive oil and rub it in. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3. Grill the Salmon – Heat the grill to medium. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 8 minutes.
- 4. Flip and Finish – Carefully flip the salmon and grill for another 4-6 minutes.
- 5. Add the Butter – Remove from heat and immediately top each fillet with a scoop of lemon garlic butter. Serve as it melts!
Variations to Try
– Honey Glazed – Add a drizzle of honey to the butter for a sweet and tangy twist.
– Mediterranean Style – Top with chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
– Asian-Inspired – Swap the herbs for ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
This delicious, healthy Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter is ready in less than 30 minutes! Tender, flaky salmon fillets are grilled to perfection and topped with a melting compound butter packed with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and savory garlic. It’s the perfect light yet flavorful dinner for summer nights.
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
— The Salmon —
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or off
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
— Lemon Garlic Herb Butter —
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil, or thyme)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. **Make the Butter:** In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until well combined and smooth. Set aside (at room temperature so it melts easily).
2. **Prep the Salmon:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F – 400°F). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle the salmon on both sides with olive oil and rub it in with your fingertips. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. **Grill:** Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Close the lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes without moving it, until the skin is crispy and the fish releases easily from the grates.
5. Flip the salmon carefully. Grill for another 2-4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 135°F-145°F).
6. **Serve:** Remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately top each hot fillet with a generous scoop of the lemon garlic butter so it melts over the fish.
7. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Herb Choice: Dill and parsley are classic choices for salmon, but basil adds a wonderful fresh sweetness. Feel free to mix and match whatever you have on hand.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon can become dry quickly. Watch it closely; it is done when it changes from translucent to opaque pink and flakes gently.
Make Ahead: You can make the compound butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Pan-Sear Option: No grill? No problem. Sear the salmon in a hot skillet with oil for 4-5 minutes per side, then top with the butter.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
FAQ
Q: Can I bake this salmon instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: Try roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
This Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter is a foolproof way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. The combination of smoky grill flavors and zesty, herby butter makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.
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