Print

Best Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter – Easy 20-Minute Recipe

best grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter - featured image
Print Recipe

This best grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. The smoky char from the grill, rich salmon, and bright, savory butter create an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon (5 minutes): Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of fillets. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you fire up the grill.
  2. Make the lemon garlic butter (5 minutes): In a small saucepan or cast-iron skillet, combine butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Place on grill grates (or on a burner) over medium heat. Let butter melt slowly, stirring occasionally, until garlic is fragrant (2-3 minutes). Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Turn heat to low and keep pan on grill to stay warm.
  3. Preheat the grill (10 minutes): Clean grill grates well, then oil them. Heat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C).
  4. Grill the salmon (8-10 minutes): Place salmon fillets on hot grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges look opaque and fish releases easily. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on thickness.
  5. Check for doneness (1 minute): Insert instant-read thermometer into thickest part. For medium-rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C); for medium: 125-130°F (52-54°C); for well-done: 135°F (57°C) or higher. Remove from grill when 5 degrees below target.
  6. Baste and rest (2 minutes): Transfer cooked salmon to a serving platter. Spoon warm lemon garlic butter generously over each fillet. Let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately: Spoon any remaining butter from pan over salmon right before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon fillets of similar thickness. Pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. The butter sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently. If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute meal, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, keto salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/best-grilled-salmon-with-lemon-garlic-butter-easy-20-minute-recipe/