Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon with Rich Butter Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the absolute best results, always grill salmon with the skin on. The skin acts as a natural heat shield, keeping the delicate meat moist and preventing it from falling apart on the grates.

Even if the skin is not eaten, keeping it on during the cooking process yields a much juicier final product. Additionally, ensure the grill is preheated thoroughly; high heat is the secret to getting those beautiful, clean grill marks without sticking.

To enhance the flavor profile, use a mix of fresh, soft herbs such as dill, chives, tarragon, and parsley in the butter. Hard herbs like rosemary or thyme can be too woody and overpowering for delicate fish.

Always add the herbs at the very end of melting the butter, off the heat, so they retain their bright green color and fresh, aromatic oils rather than turning dark and bitter.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Butter: Add two minced garlic cloves to the butter while melting, allowing them to cook gently for one minute before stirring in the fresh herbs and lemon juice.
• Spicy Lemon Herb: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the warm herb butter to add a subtle kick of heat that complements the smoky fish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as it changes the texture of the grilled fish.

Reheat

Reheat gently in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C), covered with foil, with a splash of water.

Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the remaining lemon-herb butter in a separate small container. To reheat, place the salmon in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm gently until heated through to prevent drying.

The lemon-herb butter can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently over low heat before serving. The salmon itself is best grilled fresh, but it can be prepped and kept in the refrigerator for up to four hours before cooking. Keep the fish tightly wrapped until ready to grill.

Serving ideas

Present the grilled salmon on a large, pre-warmed platter to keep the fish hot. Arrange the glistening fillets side by side, and pour the warm lemon-herb butter generously over the top just before bringing it to the table.

Garnish the platter with fresh lemon wheels and additional sprigs of fresh dill or parsley for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation.

This versatile main dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides. Serve it alongside grilled asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a fresh, crisp green salad.

A light, fluffy quinoa or herb-infused rice pilaf also works beautifully to soak up any of the delicious herb butter that cascades off the salmon. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon with Rich Butter Sauce

Prep 15 minCook 10 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Let the fillets sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill grates. Grill undisturbed for four to five minutes until grill marks form and the fish releases easily from the grates.
3. Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a thin spatula. Grill the second side for another three to four minutes until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
4. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the fresh mixed herbs and fresh lemon juice, then remove from the heat immediately to keep the herbs vibrant.
5. Transfer the grilled salmon fillets to a warm serving platter. Pour the warm lemon-herb butter generously over the sizzling fillets, allowing it to cascade down the sides before serving.

Contains: fish, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

0.5 g

Fat

34 g

Fiber

0.1 g

Sugar

0.1 g

Sodium

100 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.