Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon

There’s something about salmon straight off the grill that makes a simple seafood dinner feel extra special. This fillet comes out tender and flaky inside with a beautifully seasoned, crisp exterior, finished with a warm garlic butter that takes it over the top. It’s worth adding to the dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• That grilled flavor. Cooking the salmon on the grill gives it a slightly smoky, charred edge you can’t get from a stovetop.
• Simple, warm garlic butter. A quick sauce made with just butter, garlic, and lemon takes this dish to another level.
• Ready in 22 minutes. A fast, satisfying dinner that feels special without much effort.
• Feeds a crowd. One large fillet serves 4, making this easy for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 large salmon fillet, about 2 lb
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 green onions, chopped

How to Make Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon

1. Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Heat the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent the salmon from sticking.

3. Grill the salmon. Place the salmon skin side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is tender and flakes easily.

4. Make the garlic butter. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until well blended.

5. Finish the salmon. Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving dish. Spoon the warm garlic butter generously over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

6. Serve. Let the grilled salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any extra garlic butter from the dish over each portion for even more flavor.

Tips for the Best Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a better sear on the grill.
• Oil the grates well. This is essential for getting the salmon to release cleanly instead of sticking.
• Cook skin side down first and keep the lid closed. This helps the salmon cook evenly with a nice smoky flavor.
• Check for doneness based on thickness. Thicker fillets will need closer to 12 minutes, while thinner ones may be done sooner.

What to Serve with Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon

This salmon pairs well with grilled vegetables, a simple rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. Crusty bread is also nice for soaking up any extra garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions