Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
There’s something truly special about the sizzle of salmon on a hot grill, the smoky aroma filling the air as the skin crisps to perfection. For years, I’ve been refining this Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe, and it has become one of my signature dishes. The salmon itself is wonderfully simple, seasoned just enough to let its natural flavour shine. But the real star, the element that elevates this from a simple meal to something truly memorable, is the lemon butter sauce. It’s a luscious, tangy, and rich sauce that we drizzle generously over the flaky, perfectly cooked fish.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling of a relaxed summer evening, of sharing good food with people you love. Friends always ask me for this recipe after trying it at dinner parties, and I’m always thrilled to share it. It’s the kind of dish that works beautifully for a quiet weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing and flavourful, but it’s also impressive enough to serve when you have guests over. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright, zesty sauce is just sublime.
We’ll walk through every step together, from choosing the right cut of fish to getting that skin irresistibly crispy. I’ll share the little tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to ensure your grilled salmon is tender and flaky every single time. Get ready to make what might just become your new favourite way to cook salmon.
Recipe Overview
This recipe focuses on creating a perfectly grilled salmon fillet with a wonderfully crisp skin and a moist, flaky interior. The accompanying lemon butter sauce is made in minutes while the salmon rests, bringing together melted butter, sharp garlic, fresh lemon, and bright parsley. I’ve found that adding a small spoonful of capers to the sauce gives it a lovely briny kick, but they are entirely optional. The result is an elegant, balanced, and deeply satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The salmon develops a gorgeous smoky char from the grill that contrasts beautifully with its rich, oily flesh. The sauce isn’t just buttery; it’s sharp and zesty from the fresh lemon juice and zest, with a mellow hum of garlic and a fresh, herby lift from the parsley.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- A Flexible Recipe: This recipe is very forgiving. If you don’t have parsley, fresh dill works wonderfully. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle warmth. The method works for other firm fish like sea bass or cod, too.
- Ideal for Outdoor Dining: This is a brilliant dish for a barbecue or a sunny lunch in the garden. It feels light yet satisfying and pairs well with so many simple side dishes, like a fresh green salad or some new potatoes.
- Family Tested: My kids absolutely devour this every time I make it. They love drizzling the “special lemon butter” over their fish and a side of my Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, start with high-quality ingredients. I always opt for thick, centre-cut salmon fillets with the skin on, as the skin protects the fish from overcooking and becomes wonderfully crisp. When it comes to the butter, I prefer using a good quality unsalted butter, like Kerrygold, as its higher fat content makes for a richer, more flavourful sauce.
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 180g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 100g unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 60ml fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, rinsed (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Kira’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to use bottled lemon juice. The flavour of freshly squeezed lemon is so much brighter and more vibrant, and it truly is the heart of this sauce. Zest your lemon before you juice it – it’s much easier!
How to Make Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
The process for this recipe is straightforward. We’ll focus on getting a great cook on the salmon first, and while it’s resting, the simple pan sauce comes together in just a few minutes. This timing ensures everything is hot and ready to serve at the same time.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your barbecue or indoor grill pan over a medium-high heat, aiming for around 200°C (400°F). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin. Rub the olive oil all over the fillets, then season generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and it should release easily from the grill. If it sticks, give it another minute before trying to lift it again.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Cook for another 2-4 minutes on the other side. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. According to the Food Standards Agency, fish should be cooked until it is steaming hot and cooked all the way through. An instant-read thermometer should register 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.
- Rest the Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes while you make the sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender fillet.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon rests, place a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter until it starts to foam. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. What works best for me is to constantly swirl the pan.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional capers. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a small pinch of salt.
- Serve Immediately: Place a rested salmon fillet on each plate and pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve straight away.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Temperature is Key: Don’t have the grill on a blistering high heat. A steady medium-high is what you want. This allows the skin to render and crisp up perfectly without the flesh of the salmon overcooking.
- The Secret to Crispy Skin: I learned this the hard way: moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Patting the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel before oiling and seasoning is the most important step for achieving that delicious, crackling skin.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the lemon butter sauce (without the parsley) up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s lovely flaked into a salad the next day or gently reheated in a low oven.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much for this recipe, but a few key tools will make the process much smoother.
- Grill or Grill Pan: An outdoor barbecue gives the best smoky flavour, but a good cast-iron grill pan on the hob works brilliantly too.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: The most reliable way to check for doneness and avoid overcooking your salmon.
- Fish Spatula: A thin, flexible metal spatula is ideal for getting under the delicate salmon fillets without breaking them.
- Small Saucepan: For making that luscious lemon butter sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Preheating the Grill: Placing salmon on a cold grill is a guaranteed way to make it stick. Ensure your grill is fully preheated to that 200°C sweet spot before the fish goes on.
- Flipping Too Soon: Be patient. The salmon skin will tell you when it’s ready to be flipped by releasing easily from the grates. If you have to force it, it’s not ready yet.
- Skipping the Rest: It’s tempting to dig right in, but resting the salmon for a few minutes is vital. It allows the juices to settle back into the fish, resulting in a much more succulent and tender fillet.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is wonderful as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Some Spice: For a gentle kick of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter along with the garlic.
- Herb Variations: Swap the parsley for other soft herbs. Fresh dill is a classic pairing with salmon, and finely chopped chives or tarragon would also be delicious.
- Different Protein: This lemon butter sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic drizzled over grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or even a lovely piece of cod or halibut. If you like this, you might also enjoy my Steak Bites With Garlic Butter Recipe.
What to Serve With Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavour without overpowering it.
- Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavour of asparagus is a perfect match for salmon. Toss spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill them alongside the fish.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a more comforting meal, serve the salmon over a bed of creamy mash to soak up all that delicious lemon butter sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: A salad of rocket, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the salmon and butter beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your barbecue or indoor grill pan over a medium-high heat, aiming for around 200°C (400°F). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin. Rub the olive oil all over the fillets, then season generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and it should release easily from the grill. If it sticks, give it another minute before trying to lift it again.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula. Cook for another 2-4 minutes on the other side. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork. According to the Food Standards Agency, fish should be cooked until it is steaming hot and cooked all the way through. An instant-read thermometer should register 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.
- Rest the Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes while you make the sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender fillet.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the salmon rests, place a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter until it starts to foam. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. What works best for me is to constantly swirl the pan.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional capers. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a small pinch of salt.
- Serve Immediately: Place a rested salmon fillet on each plate and pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve straight away.
Notes
I really hope you and your family love this grilled salmon recipe as much as we do in our house. It’s a meal that feels both wholesome and a little bit luxurious, and proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly special. I’d love to hear how you get on with it, so please feel free to leave a comment below with your experience or any questions you might have!
Happy cooking,
Kira
