Grilled salmon with lemon butter is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural richness of salmon with a bright, citrusy twist. Perfectly charred on the grill and topped with a velvety lemon butter sauce, this recipe is a favorite for summer cookouts, dinner parties, or healthy weeknight meals. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick, easy, and packed with flavor
- Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
- Rich in omega-3s and protein
- Pairs well with salads, roasted veggies, or rice
- Customizable with herbs or spice blends
📝 Ingredients
For the Grilled Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill (optional)
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat the Grill
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates. - Prepare the Salmon
Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. - Grill the Salmon
Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125–130°F internally. - Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
While salmon grills, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Remove from heat and mix in herbs. - Serve
Drizzle lemon butter sauce over grilled salmon and garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs.
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 220mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on the size of salmon and butter used.
💡 Tips & Variations
Tips
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking
- Don’t overcook—salmon continues to cook slightly after removing from heat
- Let salmon rest a few minutes before serving
Variations
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh dill, thyme, or tarragon to the lemon butter
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the butter
- Honey Garlic: Stir in 1 tsp honey and extra garlic to the sauce
- Pan-Sear Option: Cook salmon in a skillet if you don’t have a grill
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before grilling.
Should I grill with the skin on or off?
Skin-on helps hold the fillet together and protects it from sticking. You can remove it after grilling if desired.
What should I serve with grilled salmon?
Great sides include asparagus, rice pilaf, quinoa, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make the lemon butter ahead of time?
Yes, simply refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates.
- Brush salmon with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill 4–5 mins per side until flaky and 125–130°F internally.
- Meanwhile, melt butter. Add garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in herbs.
- Drizzle lemon butter over salmon. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
– Add fresh herbs for more flavor
– Great with rice, veggies, or salad
🍽️ Conclusion
Grilled salmon with lemon butter proves that simple ingredients can deliver impressive flavor. This dish is fresh, healthy, and bursting with citrusy richness—perfect for warm evenings or when you want something fast but fancy. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to shine.