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If you love a fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully simple seafood dish, this Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe will quickly become one of your top favorites. The bright citrusy zing from fresh lemons combined with the tender, flaky salmon grilled to perfection creates a delightful harmony of flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a restaurant-worthy meal that’s juicy, refreshing, and packed with healthy omega-3s. Let’s dive into making this lemon-kissed wonder that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to impressing guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is the secret behind this mouthwatering recipe. Each item plays an essential role in balancing the dish’s flavors, adding texture and color that makes every bite memorable.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist while grilling.
- 2 lemons (1 juiced and 1 sliced): Provides that signature tartness and brightness that lifts the salmon.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle, savory depth that complements the citrus perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with fish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of green color and a mild, peppery flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Extra citrus to squeeze over the cooked salmon for a zesty finish.
How to Make Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the salmon will sear beautifully, locking in juices and giving you those delightful grill marks.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the salmon with fresh, zesty flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the marinade cling better. Place them in a shallow dish and pour the marinade evenly over the fillets. Let the salmon marinate for 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Bring the Salmon to Room Temperature
After marinating, remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step helps the salmon cook evenly on the grill without shocking the flesh.
Step 5: Prepare the Grill Grates
Lightly oil the grill grates using a brush or a folded paper towel dipped in oil. This simple trick prevents the salmon from sticking and makes flipping much easier.
Step 6: Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Lay lemon slices on top of each fillet to add extra citrus flavor while grilling. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’ll know the salmon is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the skin achieves a satisfying crispness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Serve the lemon grilled salmon with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with extra dill or parsley if you like.
How to Serve Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley not only brightens the presentation but also enhances the fresh, herbal notes of the dish. Add a few lemon wedges so everyone can add a final splash of tangy freshness to their plate.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Think light and crisp options like a mixed greens salad, grilled asparagus, or roasted baby potatoes. A fluffy quinoa salad or herbed couscous would also complement the citrusy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual occasion, serve your salmon fillets atop a bed of rice or alongside grilled vegetables. If you’re hosting, try plating the salmon with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce and a colorful medley of roasted veggies for a visually stunning meal that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While fresh salmon tastes best, you can freeze leftover cooked salmon to extend its shelf life. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer bag. Frozen salmon will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently to avoid drying out the fish. The best method is to warm it in a low oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat. Adding a squeeze of lemon while reheating helps restore brightness and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling to get the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh dill or parsley?
Fresh herbs definitely add the best flavor, but dried dill or parsley can work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Oiling the grill grates before cooking is key. Make sure your grill is hot and grill fish skin-side down first, so the skin can act as a natural barrier.
Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?
Yes! Baking in a preheated 400°F oven for about 12-15 minutes yields delicious results that mimic grilling flavors when using the same marinade and lemon slices.
Is this recipe healthy?
Definitely. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while the lemon and herbs add flavor without extra calories. It’s a nutritious choice that’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe a try soon. It’s a sparkling combination of fresh, natural flavors that’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish brings a burst of sunshine to your table every time.
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Lemon Grilled Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Grilled Salmon recipe features perfectly grilled salmon fillets marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herb mixture. Quick to prepare and bursting with bright citrus flavors, this dish is ideal for a nutritious and delicious meal served with additional lemon wedges and herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 juiced and 1 sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Dry the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel to help the marinade adhere better and ensure even grilling.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the prepared marinade over them, coating each fillet evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the grill finishes heating, promoting even cooking.
- Prepare the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking during cooking.
- Place Salmon on Grill: Position the salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down and place lemon slices over each fillet for added flavor.
- Grill the Salmon: Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side, grilling until the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the skin is crispy and slightly charred.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the cooked salmon from the grill and let it rest for one minute to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the lemon grilled salmon with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with extra dill or parsley if desired for a bright and fresh presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh salmon fillets with skin on to help hold the fish together on the grill.
- Adjust grilling time according to the thickness of the fillets to avoid overcooking.
- Keep a close watch while grilling to prevent the skin from burning or sticking.
- The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried if unavailable, but use about one-third the quantity.
