Print

Easy Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter (Best 20-Minute Dinner)

grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is fast, forgiving, and packed with flavor. The butter bastes the salmon as it cooks, keeping it tender and juicy while the lemon cuts through the richness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the lemon garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean the grates well with a grill brush, then use a paper towel dipped in olive oil (held with tongs) to oil the grates.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Place the fillets on the hot grill, skin-side down, at a 45-degree angle to the grates. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving the fish.
  5. After 4 minutes, spoon about half of the lemon garlic butter over the tops of the fillets.
  6. Use a fish spatula or tongs to gently flip the salmon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, skin-side up, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. For medium, aim for 125°F. For medium-well, 130°F.
  8. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter over the hot fillets. Squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top if desired.
  9. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t move the fish too early; it will release naturally when ready. Keep butter at room temperature for even spreading. Watch the heat to avoid flare-ups. Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter, easy dinner, 20-minute meal, healthy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-grilled-salmon-with-lemon-garlic-butter-best-20-minute-dinner/