Few dishes capture the essence of summer quite like grilled salmon. The smoky char from the grill combined with the rich flavor of salmon is a match made in culinary heaven. Add a zesty, aromatic garlic lime butter sauce, and you’ve got the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and citrusy goodness. This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for everything from casual weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues.

1. Grilled Salmon Recipe with Garlic Lime Butter

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (8 tbsp)
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed (NOT PRESSED)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice , (from 1 lime)plus lime wedges to serve
  • 2 tbsp dill, chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 lbs salmon filet, skin-on, cut into 6 portions

Instructions

In a sauce pan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Smash 4 garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife and add to saucepan with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Simmer 1 min or until fragrant. Add chopped dill and 2 Tbsp lime juice then immediately remove from heat.

Arrange salmon fillets on a platter skin-side-down and spoon on 1/3 of butter sauce and brush over the tops. Let salmon marinate while preheating grill.

Preheat grill to medium heat (350˚F to 400˚F). Oil the hot grates. Place salmon onto preheated grill, skin-side-up. Cover and grill over medium (350˚F) heat undisturbed, about 3 minutes on the first side.

Carefully flip salmon over (it helps to have a spatula to loosen it and tongs to flip it over), brush on 1/3 of butter sauce then cover and cook another 2 minutes (or according to salmon grilling chart), until internal temperature reaches 140˚F (the temperature will continue to rise to an ideal 145˚F internal temperature off the grill).

Transfer salmon to a platter and drizzle with remaining 1/3 of sauce in saucepan (if butter has hardened, heat on the stovetop just until melted). Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over salmon.

2. Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon

Choose Skin-On Fillets: Skin-on salmon is easier to grill because the skin helps hold the fish together and prevents it from sticking to the grill grates. Plus, crispy salmon skin is delicious!

Don’t Move the Salmon: Once you place the salmon on the grill, avoid moving or flipping it too soon. Letting it cook undisturbed helps create a nice sear and prevents sticking.

Use Medium-High Heat: High heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked, and low heat doesn’t provide enough sear. Medium-high is the sweet spot for a perfectly grilled salmon.

Rest the Salmon: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist, tender fish.

3. Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

Spicy Garlic Lime Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic lime butter for a spicy kick.

Herb-Infused Butter: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the butter sauce for added depth and aroma.

Cilantro Lime Butter: If you love cilantro, mix a handful of freshly chopped cilantro directly into the garlic lime butter for a bright, herby twist.

Perfect Side Dishes for Grilled Salmon

Grilled Vegetables: Pair the salmon with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a light, healthy side.

Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of wild rice or quinoa to soak up the extra garlic lime butter sauce.

Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.

Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the salmon with roasted baby potatoes or sweet potatoes.

This Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious fish. The tangy lime, aromatic garlic, and rich butter come together to create a sauce that perfectly complements the smoky, grilled salmon. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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