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Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This quick grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is a weeknight hero—ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients. The smoky char from the grill and the luscious butter sauce create a restaurant-quality meal that even skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each), skin-on
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Whisk together. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for brushing after cooking.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with light gray ash. For gas, close lid and heat for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Oil the Grates: Just before placing salmon on the grill, use tongs to dip a paper towel in oil and carefully rub it over the grill grates.
  5. Grill the Salmon, Skin-Side Down: Place salmon on the grill, skin-side down, at a 45-degree angle to the grates. Close the lid and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes.
  6. Baste with Butter: After 5-6 minutes, brush the tops of the fillets with the lemon garlic butter mixture (not the reserved portion). Cook for another minute with the lid open.
  7. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using tongs. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium, or until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare to medium.
  8. Rest and Brush with Reserved Butter: Remove salmon from grill and place on a serving platter. Immediately brush with reserved lemon garlic butter. Let rest for 2 minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, choose salmon fillets of similar thickness. Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. If salmon sticks to the grill, it’s not hot enough or you tried to flip too soon. Let it cook undisturbed until the skin releases naturally. Carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature by about 5°F after removing from heat. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, seafood, easy recipe

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