There’s nothing quite like the smoky, charred perfection of grilled salmon, especially when it’s drenched in a rich, zesty garlic lime butter. The buttery, citrusy glaze seeps into every bite, making it irresistibly tender and bursting with flavor.
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Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or just craving something fresh and flavorful for dinner, this recipe is a total game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with protein—so you get a healthy, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Flavorful: The mix of garlic, lime, and butter creates a bold, fresh taste that pairs perfectly with salmon.
Super Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a quick cook time—perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and fresh ingredients that fuel your body.
Versatile: Cook it on the grill, in a skillet, or even bake it—whichever works best for you.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Trust me, this dish feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly effortless!
Ingredients in Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter
Salmon Fillets: The star of the show—fresh, flaky, and perfect for grilling.
Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor.
Garlic: Bold, aromatic, and a must-have for that rich garlicky taste.
Lime Juice & Zest: Adds a fresh, tangy kick that balances the richness of the butter.
Butter: Creates a silky, flavorful glaze that melts into the salmon.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and enhance caramelization.
Salt & Pepper: Simple, classic seasonings to bring out the best in the fish.
Paprika or Chili Flakes (Optional): For a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: A bright, herby garnish to tie everything together.
Instructions
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Garlic Lime Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors.
Season the Salmon: Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Grill the Salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
Baste with Garlic Lime Butter: Brush the butter mixture over the salmon during the last minute of grilling for maximum flavor.
Serve & Garnish: Remove from the grill, drizzle with extra butter sauce, and top with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately!
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter
- With Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain base soaks up all the delicious buttery sauce.
- With Grilled Veggies: Pair it with zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
- With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette complements the salmon beautifully.
- With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky potatoes make for the ultimate comfort meal.
- In Tacos: Flake the salmon into warm tortillas and top with avocado, slaw, and extra lime juice!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lime: The bottled stuff doesn’t compare—fresh lime juice makes all the difference!
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This helps the seasoning stick better and gives the fish a nice sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when slightly pink in the center—about 130-135°F internally.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Try Different Herbs: Basil, dill, or thyme can add a unique twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake this salmon instead of grilling?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, then broil for a golden finish.
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A2: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I make the garlic lime butter ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before using.
Q4: How do I know when salmon is done cooking?
A4: It should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temp should reach 130-135°F.
Q5: Can I use frozen salmon?
A5: Yes! Just thaw it completely before grilling.
Q6: What’s the best type of salmon for grilling?
A6: Wild-caught varieties like sockeye or king salmon hold up best on the grill.
Q7: Can I add extra spice?
A7: Yes! Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Q8: What’s a good substitute for honey?
A8: Maple syrup or brown sugar work great as alternatives.
Q9: How do I keep salmon from sticking to the grill?
A9: Make sure your grill is hot and well-oiled before adding the salmon.
Q10: Can I make this in a skillet instead?
A10: Yes! Sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal, Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter is a must-try. It’s simple yet impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a go and let me know what you think!
Print
Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
This grilled salmon is juicy, flaky, and packed with flavor! Infused with garlic lime butter, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. Perfect for a quick dinner or a summer barbecue!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (8 tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed (not pressed)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs salmon fillet, skin-on, cut into 6 portions
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the butter sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add smashed garlic, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in dill and lime juice, then remove from heat.
- Marinate the salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a platter. Spoon ⅓ of the butter sauce over the fillets and brush to coat evenly. Let marinate while preheating the grill.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium heat (350°F-400°F). Oil the hot grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the salmon: Place salmon skin-side up on the preheated grill. Cover and cook for 3 minutes undisturbed.
- Flip & cook: Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and tongs. Brush with another ⅓ of the butter sauce, then cover and grill for 2 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (it will rise to 145°F off the grill).
- Serve: Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the remaining butter sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh wild-caught salmon.
- Oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz salmon
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg