Grilled Salmon with Zesty Lemonherb Butter
Recipe Introduction: Grilled Salmon Sizzle!
Ever find yourself craving something seriously tasty, but dreading the fuss? Me too! That's why I'm stoked to share my go-to for easy seafood entrees : Grilled Salmon with Zesty Lemon Herb Butter.
Honestly, this salmon recipe is a total flavour bomb, with buttery, zesty, herby goodness.
This dish is inspired by the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean. It brings together the simplicity of grilling with vibrant flavours.
It’s a seafood recipes easy enough for any weeknight! This takes about 25 mins to whip up, and serves 4 hungry souls.
Think simple, fresh, and totally satisfying.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Salmon
This grilled salmon is not only delicious. But it's also a fantastic source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Serve it up for a casual BBQ, a fancy dinner party, or even a quick and healthy seafood dinner .
Honestly, what makes this dish amazing is how quick and easy it is to create delicious and gourmet seafood dishes even if you're knackered after a long day!
Ready to get started with one of the best seafood entrees ? Let's dive into what you will need to cook some grilled salmon .
The Star Ingredients: Keep It Simple
Four salmon fillets, a knob of butter and a whole lot of zingy lemon juice and fresh herbs . Honestly, I've always got this ingredients on hand.
You'll also need some olive oil, plus salt and pepper. Remember, seasoning is your friend! These humble ingredients come together to create absolute magic, and is a recipe for easy salmon .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up some seriously tasty seafood entrees . No fancy chef skills needed, I promise! We're making grilled salmon with lemon herb butter , and honestly, it’s so easy.
I sometimes make this when I’m looking for some k_annotated
Main Ingredients
This recipe is designed to serve four hungry people.
- Salmon Fillets: You'll want 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each. Skin on or off is your call. Look for salmon that is vibrant in color. It should smell fresh, not fishy.
- Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This helps the salmon not stick.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Seasoning is key!
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Freshly ground is always better!
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) or 113g , softened. This is the base of our lemon herb butter . Quality butter makes a difference.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) from one lemon. Freshly squeezed is so much brighter!
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , minced. Adds a lovely freshness.
- Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , minced. I adore dill with salmon.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. About 1 teaspoon or 5ml .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . More seasoning!
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.625ml) . Just a little more.
Seasoning Notes
The lemon herb butter is the star. The combination of lemon, dill, and parsley is classic. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do.
Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.
I use the same blend when I do other seafood recipes easy .
Equipment Needed
You don't need anything fancy to make some gourmet seafood dishes .
- Grill: Gas or charcoal works. I prefer charcoal for that smoky flavor.
- Small Bowl: For the lemon herb butter .
- Whisk or Fork: To mix the butter.
- Small Saucepan: Optional, for melting the butter in the microwave. Watch it carefully.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Recommended. This will help you not overcook the salmon. Aim for 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Tongs: To flip the salmon safely.
Honestly, this recipe is so forgiving. If you don't have a grill, you can pan-sear the salmon too. Just use a hot pan and a little oil.
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Cooking Method: Grilling Salmon Like a Pro
Let's talk about grilling salmon! It's surprisingly simple. But there are a few tricks to nailing it every time. This method is perfect for making restaurant quality seafood entrees at home.
It's one of those seafood recipes easy enough for any weeknight. Ready to make some magic with fire?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place! Get everything ready. Soften your butter for the lemon herb butter . This will make mixing a breeze.
Pat your salmon dry. Wet salmon steams, dry salmon sears. Also, grab your tongs!
Safety first, folks. Grills get HOT. Use oven mitts and be mindful of open flames. A little caution goes a long way!
Grilling Salmon: step-by-step
- Make that dreamy lemon herb butter . Mix softened butter, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Prep your salmon. Pat it dry, brush with oil, and season.
- Get that grill screaming hot (medium high heat, about 375- 450° F ). Clean and oil the grates.
- Grill the salmon. About 4- 6 minutes per side. Until it flakes and hits 145° F .
- Top with lemon herb butter and serve this easy seafood dinner idea immediately.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salmon Game
Okay, this is where the magic happens. Here are some simple tricks to make your grilled salmon absolutely incredible.
- Avoid overcooking at all costs. Salmon continues to cook off the grill. Pull it at 145° F ( 63° C) for that flaky texture.
- Common mistake? Not cleaning your grill. This causes sticking! Nobody wants that.
- Lemon herb butter can be made ahead. Store in the fridge. Let it soften before serving.
Honestly, I've tried so many salmon recipes , and this one is a winner. It’s such a fresh take on pescatarian dinner recipes .
I remember once I forgot to clean the grill before slapping the salmon on there. Biggest mistake ever! Learn from my errors, and enjoy some of the best seafood entrees !
Recipe Notes for Best Seafood Entrees
Alright, so you're about to tackle this grilled salmon . Honestly, it's one of the best seafood entrees and it is a seafood recipes easy meal.
It's a winner. But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to ensure your salmon is restaurant worthy .
Trust me, these little details make a HUGE difference.
Plating Like a Pro and Other Fun Stuff
Presentation matters! For a fancy touch, arrange the grilled salmon on a bed of vibrant greens. Think arugula or spinach.
Drizzle with a little extra lemon herb butter . Then, maybe add a lemon wedge. It’s all about that gourmet seafood dishes look.
Serve with grilled asparagus. It's a classic combo for a reason. Or, a light quinoa salad. As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your cooked salmon ASAP. Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep for up to 2-3 days.
You know, the usual drill. Freezing isn't ideal. The texture can get a bit weird. But if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film then foil.
It will be safe for about a month. Reheat it gently. A low oven is best. Or, flake it into a salad.
Mix It Up: Dietary Tweaks and Seasonal Swaps
Want to mix things up? For a dairy-free seafood dinner ideas , ditch the butter! Use a plant based butter substitute.
Olive oil works in a pinch. Want to spice it up for your seafood dinner ideas ? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For a seasonal twist, use different herbs! Dill is great in the summer. Rosemary is cozy in the winter. Swap out the salmon for cod or tuna, and adjust your cooking time.
The options are endless with seafood pasta recipes .
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk health. Healthy seafood dinners are the best. This easy salmon recipe is packed with protein. It has about 40 grams per serving.
Plus, healthy fats. Salmon is great for your heart and brain. Remember, this is an estimate. It depends on your exact ingredients.
Plus, it helps with pescatarian dinner recipes when you use grilled salmon to complete your diet.
So there you have it. My little nuggets of wisdom for the easy salmon recipe . Go forth and grill! You've got this.
And remember, cooking should be fun. Don't stress. Even if you mess up, it'll still be delicious! These notes should help to keep things simple, so you can throw together delicious quick seafood meals in a flash!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My salmon always sticks to the grill. Any tips?
Oh, we've all been there! The key is a hot grill and clean grates. Make sure your grill is preheated to medium high heat and scrub those grates clean. Lightly oiling the grates with cooking oil or a grill spray will also create a non-stick surface, preventing the salmon from sticking like a stubborn barnacle.
The salmon releases easier once a good sear is achieved.
Can I use frozen salmon for this grilled salmon with zesty lemon herb butter recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is completely thawed before grilling. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture this helps with searing and prevents it from steaming on the grill. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
What other fish work well as seafood entrees using this recipe?
While salmon is fantastic, you can definitely experiment! Thick cod fillets or tuna steaks work beautifully with the lemon herb butter. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly; cod will likely need slightly less time, while tuna can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness, like a good steak, to suit your preference.
You could even try swordfish!
How do I store leftover grilled salmon?
Leftover salmon is delicious the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, or flake it into salads or sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch. Keep in mind it dries out as it sits in the fridge, so eat it quick!
I'm watching my dairy intake. Is there a dairy-free version of the lemon herb butter for these seafood entrees?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a plant based butter alternative. There are some great ones on the market now that melt and taste very similar to real butter. You won't miss a thing. Or, you could go with a garlic herb infused olive oil instead.
What's the best way to tell if my salmon is cooked through?
The best way is to use an instant read thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Visually, the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A little secret?
It's better to slightly undercook it (it will continue to cook a bit after you remove it from the grill) than to overcook it and end up with dry salmon nobody wants salmon jerky!
Grilled Salmon With Zesty Lemonherb Butter
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
