The aroma of grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce dances through the air, promising a delightful culinary experience. This dish is not just food; it’s a symphony of flavors, where the smoky char from the grill meets the zesty brightness of lemon and the rich creaminess of butter.

I remember the first time I made grilled salmon for my dad. It was his birthday, and I wanted to impress him. The look on his face when he took that first bite was priceless! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions when you want to show off your cooking skills without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Bursting with flavor, it combines zesty lemon and rich butter for an irresistible taste
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, ensuring it will be a centerpiece at any meal
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for pan-searing or baking, it fits any cooking style
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this salmon was; they even asked me for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh fillets with vibrant color; wild-caught salmon adds exceptional flavor and texture.
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Lemon: Choose juicy, firm lemons; they bring a bright zing that perfectly complements the richness of salmon.
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Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in the lemon butter sauce.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; opt for firm bulbs to ensure maximum flavor.
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Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill): These herbs enhance freshness; choose vibrant greens for visual appeal and aroma.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a layer of flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in your ingredients; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you season your salmon fillets. Ensure it’s hot enough to create those beautiful grill marks.
Season the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper for flavor enhancement.
Sear on the Grill: Place the seasoned salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes without moving them until they have nice grill marks and are slightly crispy.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant but not browned, then squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
Add Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir chopped parsley or dill into your lemon butter sauce. This adds freshness and bright color to your dish.
Serve and Enjoy!: Carefully transfer grilled salmon onto plates and drizzle with lemon butter sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with extra herbs if desired – presentation matters!
Now that you have everything you need to create this masterpiece, go ahead and enjoy every delicious bite of grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce!
You Must Know
- Grilling salmon with lemon butter sauce elevates any meal
- Fresh herbs and spices infuse flavors, while the juicy texture keeps everyone coming back for more
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes until flaky perfection is achieved.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon with lime for a zesty twist. Add some crushed garlic or fresh herbs like dill to the butter sauce for extra flavor. Experimenting keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to avoid drying it out while retaining its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality salmon; it makes all the difference in taste and texture
- Ensure your grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking
- Let the fish rest after grilling—this locks in flavors and moisture perfectly
Sharing grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce reminds me of summer barbecues with family, where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over the last piece of fish.
FAQ
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Look for flakiness; it should easily separate with a fork when cooked through.
Can I use frozen salmon for grilling?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and grilling for best results.
What sides pair well with grilled salmon?
Consider serving asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad to complement your dish.

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of grilled salmon paired with a velvety lemon butter sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of smoky, zesty, and creamy notes that will elevate any meal. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it’s ideal for family gatherings or intimate dinners. With a handful of fresh ingredients, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and drizzle with olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until grill marks form.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic; stir until fragrant before adding fresh lemon juice.
- Stir in chopped herbs just before serving.
- Serve grilled salmon with the lemon butter sauce drizzled on top and garnish with additional herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg