There’s something about that smoky char from the grill, isn’t there? Especially when it’s perfectly flaky salmon that just melts in your mouth. My absolute favorite way to do it? With a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce! This Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon is my go-to for a reason – it’s ridiculously easy, ridiculously fast, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Honestly, I whipped this up last week for my (very picky) neighbor and she practically licked the foil clean. It’s just that good. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion when you don’t want to fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights, but it’s also fancy enough for when you have company. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking minimal prep and fast grilling time. You can have this on the table in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when hunger strikes FAST!
- Flavor Explosion: That lemon butter sauce? Oh boy. It’s bright, it’s savory from the garlic, and the butter just coats everything in pure deliciousness. The grill adds that perfect smoky char that salmon just *needs*.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Salmon is packed with good-for-you stuff, and this recipe keeps it light and healthy. No heavy creams or complicated additions, just pure, delicious fish goodness!
- So Versatile: Seriously, this goes with *everything*. Want a quick weeknight meal? Serve it with a side salad. Having friends over? Pair it with roasted asparagus or some fancy couscous. It just works!
Gather Your Ingredients for Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
You’ll need just a few simple things for this amazing salmon. Seriously, you probably have most of it in your kitchen right now!
- 1 lb salmon fillet (get a nice thick one if you can!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (use the good stuff!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself, trust me!)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to make the flavors pop)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for that pretty green garnish and a little fresh flavor boost)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
Okay, getting this amazing Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon on your plate is honestly a breeze! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be singing its praises in no time. Trust me, my little kitchen helpers can almost do this part themselves! It reminds me a bit of how I make my lemon chicken with lemon butter sauce – that same bright, delicious tang!
Prep the Grill and Salmon
First things first, get that grill preheated to medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, take your salmon fillet and lay it out on a piece of aluminum foil that’s big enough to fold over and make a little packet. Make sure the foil is sturdy!
Create the Lemon Butter Sauce
This is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Just give it a good swirl until everything is nicely combined. So easy, right?
Assemble and Grill the Lemon Butter Salmon
Now, generously brush that glorious lemon butter mixture all over your salmon fillet. Don’t be shy! Once it’s coated, carefully fold the foil up and around the salmon, sealing it up tight like a little treasure pouch. Pop this packet right onto your preheated grill. Grill it up for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork – it’ll be so tender and juicy!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Carefully grab that packet off the hot grill (use oven mitts, obviously!). Open it up gently, letting all that yummy steam escape. Sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it right away and get ready for the compliments!
Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
Alright, let’s make sure this Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon is absolutely *perfect* every single time you make it. It’s so simple, but a few little tricks really take it to the next level. Trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two by grilling up a *lot* of salmon!
First off, grab the best salmon fillet you can find. Look for one that’s nice and thick – about an inch or more. Thicker fillets are way more forgiving on the grill and won’t dry out as easily. If yours is a bit thin, just keep an eye on it, it’ll cook faster!
When it comes to grill marks, don’t be afraid to let that foil packet sit on the heat for a few minutes to get a nice char. For even more flavor, you can actually skip the foil packet for the last few minutes and place the salmon fillet directly on the grill grates (carefully, of course!). Just make sure you brush on some extra sauce first so it doesn’t stick.
The biggest mistake people make is overcooking salmon! That’s why 12-15 minutes is usually spot on for a standard fillet. When in doubt, check it early. You want it to flake easily with a fork, but still be moist and tender inside. It will continue to cook a little even after you take it off the grill.
Want to jazz it up? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a little kick, or even a dash of smoked paprika for extra smoky depth. You can also switch up the herbs – dill is divine with salmon, or even a bit of fresh chives!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
When you’re making this Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon, the ingredients are pretty straightforward, but a few small things can make a big difference. And if you’re missing something? No worries! We can totally swap things out.
For the butter, I always reach for unsalted because it lets me control the saltiness better. But if all you have is salted butter, you can totally use that – just maybe go a little lighter on the extra salt you add to the sauce. And don’t even *think* about using margarine here; the flavor just isn’t the same! You want that rich, creamy taste only real butter can give.
Fresh lemon juice is king for that bright zesty flavor. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same punch. If you absolutely have to use it in a pinch, go for 100% lemon juice, but fresh squeezed is so much better. And garlic? If you’re a serious garlic lover (like me!), feel free to mince up two cloves instead of one. If raw garlic is a bit too strong for you, you can even mince it super fine and sauté it in the butter for a minute before adding the lemon, which mellows it out a bit. Parsley is mostly for looks, but it adds a nice fresh finish!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
This Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon is so versatile, it basically goes with *everything*! For a super quick weeknight dinner, I love serving it with a big, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or green beans are also fantastic – they get that lovely smoky char right alongside the salmon on the grill! If you’re feeling a bit fancier, some fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some light and airy couscous make for a perfect pairing. And hey, for a truly celebratory meal that *also* feels totally effortless, why not pair it with a refreshing Classic Margarita? Cheers to delicious meals!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon reheats beautifully. Let the salmon cool completely, then wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently. You can pop it back into a foil packet in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Or, just warm it up low and slow in a skillet with a tiny bit of extra butter or olive oil. Careful not to blast it with high heat, or it might get a little dry!
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
Got questions about making this amazing Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things people often ask:
Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, this recipe is fantastic baked. Just pop the foil packet into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it though, as cooking times can vary depending on how thick your salmon fillet is.
What’s the best kind of salmon to use for grilling?
Honestly, most salmon fillets work great! I usually go for Atlantic salmon because it’s widely available and has a nice, rich flavor. Sockeye or King salmon are also wonderful choices if you can find them. Just try to pick a piece that’s at least an inch thick for the best grilling results – they stay moist and don’t dry out as easily.
How long does it actually take to grill this salmon?
With the grill preheating and the quick sauce prep, you’re looking at a total of about 25 minutes! The actual grilling time for the salmon in its foil packet is usually just 12-15 minutes. It cooks up super fast, which is one of the reasons I love it so much for busy nights!
My salmon packet seems to be sticking. What did I do wrong?
Oh, that can happen! The foil packet usually prevents sticking, but if yours is being stubborn, it might be undercooked or your foil might be too thin. Make sure you’ve sealed the packet really well. For extra insurance, you can always give the foil a little spray of cooking oil before you place the sauced salmon inside. And remember, the residual heat will continue to cook it a bit after you take it off the grill, so avoid overcooking!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with a serving of this delicious Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and can change based on the exact size of your fillet and how much sauce clings to the foil!
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: ~20g
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~2g
- Sodium: ~200mg
It’s a fantastic, healthy choice packed with good fats and protein!
Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for grilled salmon with a lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillet on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to create a packet.
- Brush the lemon butter mixture generously over the salmon.
- Close the foil packet around the salmon, ensuring it is sealed.
- Place the foil packet on the preheated grill.
- Grill for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove the packet from the grill. Open the packet and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can also bake this salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon butter grilled salmon, grilled salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick dinner, seafood recipe