Ingredients
— The Salmon —
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Lemon wedges (for grilling/serving)
— The Lemon Garlic Butter —
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat (about 375°F – 400°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
2. **Prep Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. **Make the Butter:** In a small bowl (or small saucepan on the side burner), whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, dill, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
4. **Grill:** Place the salmon on the hot grill, skin-side down first. Close the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes without moving it. (The skin will release naturally when it’s crisp).
5. **Flip & Baste:** Carefully flip the salmon. Brush the fillets generously with the lemon garlic butter. Cook for another 2–4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. **Serve:** Remove from grill. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Skin Tip: If using skin-on salmon, don’t try to flip it too early. If it sticks, it’s not ready. Let the skin crisp up, and it will release from the grates.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook slightly after removing from heat. Take it off when the center is just barely translucent for the juiciest texture.
Oven Method: No grill? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes on a foil-lined sheet, adding the butter halfway through.
Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container for 3 days. Flake cold salmon over salads for a great lunch.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free