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Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon – Easy 15-Minute Dinner

lemon garlic butter grilled salmon - featured image

This perfect lemon garlic butter grilled salmon is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The combination of browned butter, caramelized garlic, and bright lemon creates a sauce that’s honestly addictive, and the whole thing comes together in about fifteen minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on or off)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the butter mixture.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice (start with half the lemon, then add more to taste), and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean the grates well and oil them lightly with a paper towel dipped in olive oil.
  4. Brush the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil on both sides.
  5. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if it has skin. Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes without moving the fish. Using a fish spatula, carefully flip the fillets. Brush the cooked side with some of the lemon garlic butter. Close the lid and cook for another 2-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
  6. Check for doneness: the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
  7. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest for color. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, let your salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. Don’t skip patting the salmon dry—moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. If you don’t have a grill, you can cook this in a cast-iron skillet on the stove.

Nutrition

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