Mouthwatering Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Finding a reliable dinner recipe that’s both healthy and satisfying can feel like an endless search. Between juggling work deadlines, after-school activities, and trying to get a decent meal on the table, it’s tempting to fall back on the same old takeout options or frozen dinners.

That’s where this grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce comes in handy: it’s quick enough for busy weeknights, fancy enough for weekend dinner parties, and so straightforward that even beginner cooks can nail it on the first try.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

For grilled salmon, you’ve got several good options to choose from at the seafood counter. King (Chinook) salmon tends to be the richest and most flavorful thanks to its higher fat content, while Sockeye offers a firmer texture and deeper red color. Atlantic salmon is usually the most budget-friendly choice and works perfectly fine in this recipe too. When you’re picking out your salmon, look for fillets that are bright in color without any brown spots, and they should smell fresh like the ocean – not fishy. For grilling, try to choose pieces that are similar in thickness (about 1-1.5 inches) so they’ll cook evenly, and don’t worry if you see some white stuff (that’s just protein) when you cook it.

Options for Substitutions

This simple grilled salmon recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps if needed:

• Salmon: While salmon gives the best results here, you can use other firm fish fillets like mahi-mahi, cod, or halibut. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fish – thinner fillets will cook faster.
• Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil works well here – try avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even melted butter for basting the fish.
• Fresh herbs: Don’t have fresh herbs? Use dried ones instead, but remember to use just 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can mix and match with parsley, dill, thyme, or basil.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, try using ghee or a good quality dairy-free butter substitute. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still taste good!
• Fresh garlic: If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Just mix it directly into the butter mixture.
• Lemon zest: No fresh lemon? You can use 1/4 teaspoon of true lemon powder or orange zest for a different citrus twist. In a pinch, a splash of lemon juice works too, though it won’t have quite the same punch as zest.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Grilling

The biggest mistake when grilling salmon is overcooking it, which turns this naturally moist fish into a dry, flaky disappointment – instead, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks slightly translucent in the center. Another common error is starting with cold salmon straight from the fridge, so remember to let your fish rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling, which helps it cook more evenly. To prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill (a frustrating problem for many), make sure your grill grates are clean and hot before placing the fish, and resist the urge to flip it too early – the salmon will naturally release from the grates when it’s ready to be turned. For the best flavor, avoid putting the lemon butter sauce on too early during grilling as it can burn – instead, brush it on during the final few minutes of cooking and serve extra sauce on the side.

What to Serve With Grilled Salmon?

This buttery, lemony salmon pairs perfectly with simple side dishes that let the fish stay in the spotlight. A big scoop of fluffy rice or quinoa works great for soaking up all that tasty sauce, while roasted asparagus or green beans make excellent veggie companions. For a fresh element, try a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or go for some roasted baby potatoes tossed with herbs that echo the ones in your sauce. If you’re serving this on a warm evening, a chilled cucumber and dill salad adds a nice cooling touch that goes really well with the rich salmon.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Got leftover salmon? Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the lemon butter sauce separately in its own container – this way, both the salmon and sauce stay at their best. The sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.

Freeze: While you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months, I honestly wouldn’t recommend it since it might affect the texture. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. The lemon butter sauce can be frozen separately in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.

Enjoy Later: When you’re ready to eat your leftover salmon, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then gently warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or place it in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes. The key is not to overheat it, or it might dry out. Warm the sauce separately over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	12-14 minutes
Total Time	22-29 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 100-120 g
• Fat: 130-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 0-5 g

Ingredients

• 4 salmon pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic, finely diced
• Zest from 1 lemon (approximately 1/2 teaspoon)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter

In a bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh herbs of your choice, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.

Use a fork to mash everything together until well combined and the mixture is smooth.

This flavorful butter will be the perfect finishing touch to your grilled salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Before grilling, pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well.

Drizzle each fillet with olive oil, using your fingertips to rub it all over the surface.

Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon

Heat your grill to a medium temperature.

Once heated, place the salmon fillets on the grill.

Cook for about 8 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the fillets over.

Continue grilling for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches your desired level of doneness.

Step 4: Top with Lemon Garlic Butter and Serve

Remove the grilled salmon from the heat.

Immediately top each fillet with a generous scoop of the prepared lemon garlic butter.

As the butter melts over the hot salmon, it will add a delicious burst of flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly grilled salmon!