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Best Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

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This quick and easy grilled salmon recipe features a rich lemon garlic butter that caramelizes on the fish as it cooks, creating a smoky, savory, and bright flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it comes together in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean the grates with a wire brush and oil them lightly using a paper towel dipped in oil held with tongs.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in gently.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Set aside half for basting and half for serving.
  4. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Close the lid and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.
  5. While the salmon cooks, place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes until charred.
  6. Flip the salmon carefully using tongs. Brush the cooked side generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Close the lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
  7. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for well-done.
  8. Remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the top. Drizzle with the remaining lemon garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t move the salmon too early; it will release naturally when a crust forms. Control flare-ups by moving salmon to a cooler part of the grill or closing the lid. Let salmon come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling for even cooking. Resting for 2-3 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter, easy dinner, healthy, quick, weeknight meal, seafood

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/best-grilled-salmon-with-lemon-garlic-butter-is-an-easy-dinner/