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Perfect Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

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This perfect grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is the recipe that changed my mind about grilling fish. It is simple, fast, and absolutely delicious, with crispy skin, tender flaky flesh, and a bright, rich butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; use ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest (from the whole lemon), and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Mix until well incorporated. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Clean grill grates with a wire brush. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). For gas, about 10-15 minutes with lid closed. For charcoal, wait until coals are covered with light gray ash.
  3. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on a plate, skin-side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Rub seasoning into flesh and skin.
  4. Oil the Grates: Just before placing salmon on grill, dip a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and, using long tongs, quickly wipe the hot grates.
  5. Grill the Salmon (Skin-Side Down): Place salmon fillets on hot grill, skin-side down. They should sizzle immediately. Close lid. Do not touch for at least 6-8 minutes. The skin needs time to crisp and release naturally. It’s ready to flip when edges look opaque and skin lifts easily.
  6. Flip and Baste: Carefully flip salmon fillets using a spatula. Skin should be golden brown and crispy. Immediately brush top of each fillet generously with lemon garlic butter. Close lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness.
  7. Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part. For medium-rare, aim for 120-125°F (49-52°C). For medium, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Salmon will continue to cook slightly after removal.
  8. Rest and Serve: Transfer grilled salmon to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining lemon garlic butter over the top. Squeeze remaining lemon juice over fillets. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

The biggest mistake is flipping too early. Let the skin cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until it releases naturally. An instant-read thermometer is your best investment for perfectly cooked salmon. For extra smoky flavor, place a small piece of aluminum foil on a cooler part of the grill with a little extra butter to melt and spoon over before serving. If using salted butter, reduce added salt to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, summer grilling, seafood, keto, low-carb

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/perfect-grilled-salmon-with-lemon-garlic-butter/