Grilled Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe

Juicy, flaky salmon fillets brushed with rich garlic herb butter and perfectly grilled? It doesn’t get much better than that! This easy yet impressive recipe is sure to be a hit, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or your weekend barbecue centerpiece. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this dish strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and a short cook time, this recipe delivers gourmet results in under 45 minutes.
• Healthy: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this gluten-free meal is both delicious and nutritious.
• Versatile: Perfect for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, or even as meal prep for the week.

Taste & Texture

This grilled salmon offers a buttery, garlicky flavor profile with a hint of fresh herbs. The fish is juicy and flaky with a crispy, flavorful crust thanks to its time on the grill. Each bite melts in your mouth, yet has a satisfying richness that pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides.

Dietary Attributes

• Naturally gluten-free
• High in protein
• Low in carbohydrates

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

Garlic Herb Butter:

• 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, minced

Salmon:

• 2 lbs salmon fillets, skin-on
• Salt, to taste

Notes on Quality

Fresh, wild-caught salmon is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen salmon will work too—just thaw it overnight in the fridge. When choosing herbs, opt for fresh parsley and dill to maximize the vibrant flavors.

Possible Substitutions

• No dill? Try fresh thyme or chives for a different herbal kick.
• Unsalted butter can replace salted butter; simply add a pinch of salt to taste.
• For dairy-free, swap butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Garlic Herb Butter

1. Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and dill. Mix with a fork until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Grilled Salmon

• Preheat your grill. For a charcoal grill, heat the coals until they are ashed over, and clean the grill grates thoroughly. Set the coals to the lowest level away from the grates.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help them sear properly. Season each fillet with salt on all sides.
• Generously coat the salmon fillets with most of the garlic herb butter, reserving some to add after cooking.
• Place the salmon fillets skin side up on the grill. Close the lid and grill for 3–4 minutes. Don’t try to flip the salmon too soon; it will naturally release when ready.

• Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the fillets. Close the lid again and grill for an additional 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness. A fillet about 1.5–2 inches thick will cook in 8–10 minutes total.
• Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F in the thickest part. For the best results, remove the salmon at 142°F and let it rest for a few minutes as it finishes cooking.
• Top the hot salmon with a teaspoon of the reserved garlic herb butter before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Always use skin-on salmon when grilling. The skin acts as a barrier, preventing the fish from sticking to the grill or falling apart. Plus, it adds incredible flavor and moisture.
• Don’t rush the process. Allow the salmon to naturally release from the grill before flipping. This ensures a perfect sear and prevents tearing.

Common Mistakes

• Avoid flipping the salmon more than once. This increases the risk of breaking it apart.
• Don’t cook the salmon at too high of a temperature. Medium heat is best for even cooking without drying it out.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the garlic herb butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Use a grill basket if you’re worried about the salmon sticking to the grates.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This grilled salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For a more refreshing option, serve with lemon-dressed asparagus or a chilled cucumber salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salmon on a large platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of fresh parsley for garnish. The vibrant orange color of the salmon looks stunning against the green herbs and yellow lemon slices.

Beverage Pairings

• For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the buttery richness of the salmon.
• Prefer non-alcoholic? Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime adds a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the salmon tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods

• In a pan: Reheat salmon skin side down in a preheated pan over medium heat. Cover with a lid and warm through.
• In the oven: Preheat to 350°F, loosely wrap the salmon in foil, and bake for about 15 minutes. This method retains moisture.

Pro tip: Leftover salmon doesn’t always need reheating! Flake it apart and use it cold in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use unsalted butter?
Absolutely. Just add a pinch of salt to the herb butter mixture.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried parsley and dill can work in a pinch, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon each since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Troubleshooting

Why is my salmon sticking to the grill?
This can happen if the grill grates aren’t clean or if the fish is moved too soon. Let the salmon naturally release before flipping, and always start with a clean, oiled grill.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• To make this dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative.
• For a lower-sodium option, use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning.

Flavor Twists

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a spicy kick.
• Swap out garlic for shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• During the summer, serve the salmon with a side of grilled corn on the cob.
• For a holiday twist, pair it with cranberry chutney or a festive wild rice pilaf.

Related Recipes

Looking for more delicious dishes? Check out these recipes:

• Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
• Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers
• Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs

Conclusion

Grilled salmon with garlic butter is a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a healthy and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments. I’d love to see your photos and hear how it turned out for you!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, visit my Pinterest.

Print