If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor and melts perfectly in your mouth, then this Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, smoky salmon grilled to juicy perfection and bathed lovingly in a luscious garlic lime butter sauce that adds a vibrant citrusy kick and rich, savory notes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but comes together so easily, making it a new favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s incredible how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can transform a straightforward salmon fillet into a culinary delight. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter base to the aromatic garlic, tart lime juice, and fragrant dill—combining to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a rich, silky base that carries the garlic and lime flavors beautifully and helps keep the salmon moist.
- Garlic cloves (4, smashed): Adds a punch of savory aroma and depth without overwhelming the brightness of the lime.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons, plus wedges): Offers a fresh citrus zing that brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness.
- Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a hint of herbal freshness and a pop of green color for visual appeal.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the fish perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the butter sauce.
- Salmon filet (2 pounds, skin-on, cut into 6 portions): The star of the show—choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best results.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Lime Butter Sauce
Begin by melting a generous half cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Take those garlic cloves and gently smash them to release their flavor—no need to press or mince; leaving them smashed gives a subtle garlic infusion without overpowering. Toss the smashed garlic into the butter along with the sea salt and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for about a minute until your kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic aroma. Stir in the chopped dill and fresh lime juice right at the end, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to preserve the bright, fresh notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Arrange your salmon fillets skin-side down on a platter, then spoon about a third of your luscious butter sauce over the top, gently brushing it to coat the fish evenly. This step is key for infusing the salmon with all those delicious flavors before it even hits the grill. Letting the salmon marinate while you prepare the grill adds a little extra tenderness and depth.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Get your grill heating up to a medium temperature, ideally between 350˚F to 400˚F. Once it’s hot, oil the grates well to prevent sticking—this simple step ensures your salmon will come off beautifully without falling apart.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side up this time, and cover. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Then, with care and the right tools—a spatula to loosen the fish and tongs to flip—turn the salmon over. Immediately brush on another third of your butter sauce, cover, and grill for an additional 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140˚F. Don’t worry if it feels slightly underdone; the residual heat will bring it to the perfect 145˚F once off the grill.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Transfer your beautifully grilled salmon to a serving platter and drizzle it with the remaining butter sauce. If the sauce has solidified while you grilled, just warm it gently on the stovetop to bring back that silky texture. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and add lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top, enhancing every bite with a fresh citrus burst.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill or even finely chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast and herbal punch. Fresh lime wedges complete the dish, inviting each eater to add a splash of brightness that complements the richness of the salmon and butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with vibrant side dishes like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crunchy garden salad. For a summery twist, try a chilled quinoa salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes—it keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the salmon on a large wooden board adorned with additional dill sprigs and lime wedges, creating a rustic yet elegant centerpiece. You can also create individual plates with a bed of wilted spinach or couscous for a restaurant-style touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the garlic lime butter sauce separate or poured over to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
While it’s always best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked grilled salmon in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your grilled salmon without drying it out, warm it gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275ËšF for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add a little extra garlic lime butter on top to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it necessary to leave the skin on the salmon?
Keeping the skin on helps hold the fish together on the grill and adds extra flavor and crispiness. It’s also a barrier that keeps the flesh moist during cooking, but you can remove it after grilling if preferred.
Can I make the garlic lime butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just warm it gently before use so it’s pourable and fresh-tasting when you marinate and finish the salmon.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the salmon under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking and use the same butter sauce for incredible flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145ËšF and flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist. Using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe has become an absolute favorite in my kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too. It’s effortless yet impressively flavorful, striking the perfect balance between fresh, rich, and smoky. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving a delicious, healthy meal, make this recipe your go-to for impressively good salmon that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in minutes. Give it a try and enjoy every buttery, citrusy bite!
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Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 24 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 oz each salmon filet)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful grilled salmon recipe featuring a zesty garlic lime butter sauce that enhances the natural richness of the fish. This dish is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, combining fresh dill, lime juice, and garlic butter for a vibrant and aromatic experience.
Ingredients
Garlic Lime Butter Sauce
- 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 fresh dill, chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Salmon
- 2 lbs salmon filet, skin-on, cut into 6 portions (6 oz each)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Lime Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Smash 4 garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife and add them to the saucepan along with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in chopped dill and 2 tablespoons lime juice, then immediately remove the pan from heat to preserve the fresh flavors.
- Marinate the Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets on a platter skin-side down. Spoon one-third of the garlic lime butter sauce over the salmon and brush it evenly over the top of each fillet. Allow the salmon to marinate in the sauce while you preheat the grill, letting the flavors penetrate the fish.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Once hot, oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure clean grill marks on the salmon.
- Grill the Salmon, First Side: Place the salmon onto the preheated grill skin-side up. Cover and grill undisturbed for about 3 minutes. This step allows the fish to cook gently initially and develop a nice sear.
- Flip and Finish Grilling: Carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and tongs to prevent breaking the fillets. Brush the salmon with another one-third of the butter sauce. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 140°F, knowing it will rise to the ideal 145°F after resting.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining one-third of the garlic lime butter sauce — if the butter has solidified, gently reheat it on the stovetop until melted. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
- To check doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F internally for safe consumption.
- Do not press the garlic cloves; smashing preserves their flavor and texture in the butter sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh dill, substitute with dried dill but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent the salmon skin from sticking and tearing.
- The residual heat after grilling will bring the salmon from 140°F to the safe 145°F temperature, so avoid overcooking.
