Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter Recipe
There’s something truly special about grilled salmon, especially when it’s topped with a rich, zesty lemon dill butter. This recipe captures the essence of summer with its fresh flavors and is incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or for a laid-back weekend feast. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that showcases the beauty of fresh salmon without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy evenings.
- Packed with bright and fresh flavors that elevate your meal.
- Healthy and nutritious, full of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Customize the butter with your favorite herbs or spices.
- Minimal cleanup—you’ll just need a grill and a bowl!
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: The star of the dish! Opt for wild-caught if possible for the best flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and adds a rich flavor. Feel free to substitute with melted butter if you prefer.
- Fresh dill: Bright and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with salmon. You can also use parsley or basil if you don’t have dill.
- Garlic: Adds a wonderful aroma and depth. Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. Use lime if you’re in a pinch, or even a splash of white wine.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
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Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your marinade for the salmon.
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Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes—just long enough to soak in those delicious flavors.
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Make the Lemon Dill Butter: In another bowl, combine softened butter, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill basket, make sure it’s oiled to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have nice grill marks.
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Finish with Lemon Dill Butter: Once the salmon is off the grill, top each fillet with a generous dollop of the lemon dill butter while it’s still warm, allowing it to melt beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best cooked to medium, which retains its moisture. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—it should read around 125°F (52°C).
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Dried herbs can be used but will not provide the same brightness.
- Skin-On for Flavor: Cooking with the skin on helps keep the salmon moist and adds flavor. If you don’t like the skin, it’s easy to peel off after cooking.
- Grill Marks: Don’t move the salmon around too much while grilling; let it sit to get those lovely grill marks.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap in other herbs like tarragon or chives for a twist on the traditional flavor.
How to Serve
Serve your grilled salmon alongside a light quinoa salad, crunchy asparagus, or fluffy couscous. A simple green salad pairs wonderfully too. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, crusty bread for dipping in any leftover lemon dill butter is a perfect choice!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Fridge Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze, make sure the salmon is cooked and cooled, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Consume within 1-2 months for the best quality.
- Reheating Tips: For reheating, a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) keeps the salmon moist. Just a few minutes until warmed through should suffice!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and grilling.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily cook the salmon in a skillet on the stove or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the lemon dill butter separate until you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).
Now you’re all set to impress with this Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the joy of sharing this simple yet magnificent dish. Happy cooking!
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure they are well coated and let them marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine softened butter, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and oil the grill basket if using.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Once the salmon is off the grill, top each fillet with a generous dollop of the lemon dill butter while still warm to allow it to melt.
