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Best Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon Recipe

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This flavorful grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party. Tender, flaky salmon with crispy edges and a glossy, buttery finish that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean the grates with a wire brush and lightly oil them using a paper towel dipped in olive oil held with tongs.
  2. Make the lemon garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for basting during cooking; use the rest for brushing on after the salmon comes off the grill.
  3. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If using skin-on fillets, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife (about ¼ inch deep) in a few places.
  4. Brush the salmon with a thin layer of the reserved lemon garlic butter (about half of the reserved basting butter).
  5. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Close the lid and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the edges start looking opaque and the skin releases easily from the grates.
  6. Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Brush the cooked side with more of the reserved lemon garlic butter. Close the lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C); for medium, 135°F (57°C).
  7. Remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately brush with the remaining lemon garlic butter.
  8. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling. Don’t move the salmon too early; it will release naturally after 4-5 minutes. Use the two-butter method: reserve some butter for basting during cooking and some for finishing. If you don’t have a grill, cook under the broiler for 6-8 minutes total. Make extra lemon garlic butter for drizzling over vegetables or rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, quick salmon dinner, salmon fillet, summer grilling

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/best-lemon-garlic-butter-grilled-salmon-recipe/