Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe

The Juiciest Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe

Salmon doesn’t get more delectable than this garlic lime butter masterpiece.

Crisp edges and a succulent interior promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspire this simple yet extraordinary dish.

Marine flavors dance with zesty citrus notes, creating an irresistible combination.

Delicate fish meets bold seasonings in a seamless culinary harmony.

Fresh ingredients elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grilled Salmon With Garlic Lime Butter You’ll Remember

  • Quick Culinary Triumph: Perfect your seafood skills with this no-fuss salmon recipe.
  • Flavor Explosion: Blend of zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and fresh dill creates an irresistible taste profile that elevates ordinary fish to gourmet status.
  • Speed Demon Meal: From kitchen to table in under 20 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or endless prep work.
  • Health Champion: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and minimal ingredients, this dish offers a nutritious dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter

Main Ingredients:

Salmon:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich flavor and tender texture. Wild-caught or farm-raised options available, skin-on preferred for grilling.
  • Fresh Dill: Delicate herb that adds bright, aromatic flavor to the salmon. Fragrant green herb that complements seafood perfectly.
Butter Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy base for the sauce that adds richness and helps coat the salmon. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and pungent flavor to the butter sauce. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
  • Lime Juice: Tangy citrus element that brightens the entire dish and adds zesty freshness. Fresh lime juice works best.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon and butter sauce. Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended.
  • Lime Wedges: Fresh garnish that allows diners to add extra citrus flavor. Provides a bright, acidic finish to the dish.

Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Instructions

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add these ingredients:
  • Smashed garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Simmer for a quick minute until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Stir in fresh dill and zesty lime juice, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon for Grilling

Lay salmon fillets skin-side down on a clean platter.

Generously coat the fish with one-third of the prepared butter sauce, ensuring an even and delicious coverage.

Let the salmon soak up the flavors while preparing the grill.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to a perfect medium temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent any sticking and ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 4: Initial Salmon Grilling

Place salmon skin-side up on the preheated grill.

Close the lid and allow the fish to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, letting the heat work its magic.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully turn the salmon using a spatula and tongs.

Brush the fish with another third of the butter sauce.

Cover and continue grilling for 2 additional minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit (it will naturally rise to 145 degrees after removing from heat).

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the beautifully grilled salmon to a serving platter.

Drizzle the remaining butter sauce over the fish.

Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill and add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Garlic Butter Salmon Tips That Stick

  • Oil grill grates thoroughly before placing salmon to ensure easy removal and beautiful grill marks without tearing the delicate fish.
  • Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches 140°F internal temperature for perfectly cooked, moist fish that's not overdone.
  • Reserve some butter sauce for drizzling at serving to boost the garlic-lime taste and keep the salmon juicy and aromatic.
  • Swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version or use plant-based butter alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Allow salmon to cook undisturbed during initial grilling to develop beautiful caramelization and prevent breaking apart when flipping.

Garlic Lime Salmon That Stays Flaky

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat salmon gently at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the delicate fish.
  • Warm salmon in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the fish from becoming tough.
  • Reheat salmon only once to preserve its texture and flavor. Discard any salmon left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refreshing Complements For Salmon

  • Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salmon's richness and cuts through the garlic lime butter's bold flavors.
  • Refreshing Citrus Companion: Prepare a light cucumber-mint water or a sparkling lime spritzer to enhance the dish's zesty lime notes and provide a cooling contrast to the grilled fish.
  • Ideal Side Dish Harmony: Serve with a quinoa salad featuring fresh herbs, diced cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to mirror the salmon's bright, summery flavor profile and add nutritional balance.
  • Herbal Garnish Boost: Top the salmon with extra fresh dill or chives to intensify the herb notes and create a visually appealing and aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dining experience.

Grilled Salmon Garnish Suggestions

  • Oven-Baked Salmon Variation: Replace grilling with baking in a preheated 400°F oven. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and cook for 10-12 minutes until fish reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  • Herb-Infused Alternative: Swap dill for fresh rosemary or thyme. Add chopped fresh herbs directly into the butter sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter. Substitute lime juice with lemon and add minced ginger for a bright, zesty dairy-free sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt quantity and use low-sodium alternatives. Replace regular salt with herb-infused sea salt or a sprinkle of dried herb blend to maintain flavor without excess sodium.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this garlic lime butter sauce special?

The sauce combines melted butter, smashed garlic, salt, pepper, fresh dill, and lime juice, creating a tangy and rich flavor that perfectly complements the salmon’s natural taste.

  • How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The salmon is done when it reaches 140°F on the grill, which will rise to 145°F after removing it from heat. The fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.

  • Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

While fresh dill provides the best flavor and appearance, you can substitute dried dill. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, but the flavor will be slightly less vibrant.

  • What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets like sockeye, king, or coho. Aim for fillets that are about 1-inch thick and have a bright, rich color for the best grilling results.

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Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe

Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savor Mediterranean-inspired “Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter” that brings zesty coastal flavors to your dinner plate. Succulent salmon fillets glazed with tangy lime and rich garlic butter promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs salmon fillet, skin-on, cut into 6 portions

Butter and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons / 113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Citrus and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Create an aromatic garlic lime butter by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over moderate temperature, infusing it with crushed garlic, a pinch of seasoning, and allowing the mixture to simmer briefly until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.
  2. Incorporate fresh dill and tangy lime juice into the melted butter, then remove from heat to preserve the vibrant flavors.
  3. Arrange salmon fillets on a clean preparation surface, positioning them skin-side down with precision and care.
  4. Generously coat the salmon with one-third of the prepared butter sauce, using a silicone brush to ensure even distribution and deep flavor penetration.
  5. While the salmon absorbs the marinade, prepare the outdoor grill by heating to a medium temperature range between 350°F and 400°F.
  6. Prevent potential sticking by lightly brushing the hot grill grates with a thin layer of culinary oil.
  7. Carefully position the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, placing them skin-side up to achieve optimal cooking conditions.
  8. Cover the grill and allow the fish to cook undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes, developing a beautiful exterior sear.
  9. Delicately flip the salmon using a sturdy spatula and tongs, maintaining the integrity of the delicate flesh.
  10. Brush the exposed surface with another portion of the garlic lime butter, then re-cover the grill and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  11. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 140°F, which will naturally rise to 145°F during resting.
  12. Transfer the perfectly grilled salmon to a serving platter, drizzling the remaining butter sauce for maximum flavor enhancement.
  13. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill and accompany with wedges of lime for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Pat salmon dry with paper towels before grilling to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent fish from tearing when flipping.
  • Butter Sauce Hack: Reserve some butter sauce for serving to maintain vibrant herb and citrus flavors, enhancing the final dish’s taste profile.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a digital meat thermometer to check salmon’s doneness, aiming for 140°F to guarantee moist, perfectly cooked fish without overcooking.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: For indoor preparation, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet with similar heat settings when outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 433
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 564 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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