Description
This Juicy Grilled Salmon with Lemon recipe offers a fresh and flavorful meal that highlights the natural richness of salmon enhanced by a bright lemon marinade and fresh herbs. Perfectly grilled to achieve a golden crust and tender interior, it’s a healthy and quick dish ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fillets Fresh salmon (Skin-on is preferred)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Prevents sticking to the grill)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor enhancement)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Adds a gentle kick)
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice (Balances richness)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest (Intensifies lemon flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh dill or parsley (Chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup (Optional sweetness)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Sprinkle the fillets generously with salt and black pepper, then let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped dill or parsley, and honey or maple syrup to create a vibrant, tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Salmon: Pour the marinade over the salmon fillets, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the salmon marinate for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F. To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates thoroughly before cooking.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill without moving them for 6-8 minutes until the edges turn golden and opaque, indicating they are nearly cooked through.
- Flip and Finish Grilling: Carefully flip the fillets using a wide spatula, then grill the other side for an additional 2 minutes to finish cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs before serving for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Using skin-on salmon fillets helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from falling apart on the grill.
- Marinating the salmon adds flavor but avoid over-marinating to keep the texture firm.
- Oiling the grill grates is essential to prevent the fish from sticking and tearing.
- You can substitute fresh dill with parsley or other fresh herbs based on preference.
- Adjust grilling time slightly depending on fillet thickness to avoid overcooking.
