Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon garlic grilled salmon is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and bursting with flavor. The marinade is simple but packed with tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs, all of which enhance the natural flavor of the salmon. Grilling the salmon gives it a beautiful smoky flavor and crispy skin, while keeping the inside moist and tender. This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to a light salad. It’s a perfect meal for both casual dinners and special occasions!

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, depending on preference)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh herbs (optional), for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more lemon for tang or extra garlic for flavor.
Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon and toss to coat. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you have time) in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
Grill the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you like your salmon with a bit of char, you can grill it for an additional minute or two on each side.
Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10-15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Spicy salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Honey mustard marinade: Replace the Dijon mustard with honey mustard for a sweet twist to the marinade.
Herb variations: Swap out the parsley for other fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Grilled vegetables: Serve the salmon with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
Citrus twist: Add some orange juice or zest to the marinade for a citrusy depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover grilled salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for 30 seconds at a time until heated through. Reheating can dry out the fish, so try not to overdo it.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and grilling. Thawing it overnight in the refrigerator is the best method.

2. Can I cook this salmon in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, you can cook the salmon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

3. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. You can also brush the salmon with a little oil before placing it on the grill.

4. Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets, though the skin helps keep the fish moist while grilling. If you prefer skinless, just be extra careful while grilling to avoid overcooking.

5. How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it easily flakes with a fork. If you prefer a slightly less done center, aim for 120-130°F (49-54°C).

6. Can I marinate the salmon for longer than an hour?

Yes, you can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours. However, marinating for too long can sometimes result in a mushy texture, so keep it within that timeframe for the best results.

7. Can I use a different fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like trout, halibut, or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

8. Can I grill the salmon on a cedar plank?

Yes! Grilling the salmon on a cedar plank adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just soak the cedar plank in water for about 30 minutes before grilling, and place the salmon on top to cook.

9. How can I make the salmon extra crispy?

If you want a crispy skin, ensure that the skin is dry before grilling and cook the salmon skin-side down first. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a crisp, golden skin.

10. How do I serve the salmon?

Serve the grilled salmon with sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, a fresh salad, or rice. A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a simple avocado salsa would also be great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic grilled salmon is a light, flavorful, and quick meal that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. The lemon and garlic marinade enhances the natural richness of the salmon, while grilling imparts a smoky flavor that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or a summer BBQ, this recipe will deliver a delicious and satisfying dish. Try it today for a healthy, delicious meal that’s packed with flavor!

Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe

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Lemon garlic grilled salmon with a zesty marinade, grilled to perfection for a smoky, flavorful, and healthy meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more lemon for tang or extra garlic for flavor.

Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon and toss to coat. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you have time) in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
Grill the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if they have skin. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you like your salmon with a bit of char, you can grill it for an additional minute or two on each side.
Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Spicy salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Honey mustard marinade: Replace the Dijon mustard with honey mustard for a sweet twist to the marinade.
Herb variations: Swap out the parsley for other fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Grilled vegetables: Serve the salmon with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
Citrus twist: Add some orange juice or zest to the marinade for a citrusy depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg