Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Classy Dish for Dad is like a summer evening on your plate, bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine the juicy, flaky salmon glistening under a drizzle of zesty lemon butter sauce, inviting you to take a bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for those special occasions or casual family dinners where everyone leaves the table smiling.
This dish brings back memories of my dad and his grill prowess. He could make anything taste gourmet, and I always watched in awe as he expertly flipped fish like a pro. Whether it was Father’s Day or just another Tuesday, this Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce became our go-to dish. It’s fancy enough to impress but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Get ready to savor every bite! For more inspiration, check out this other main dish recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The grilled salmon is easy to prepare and packed with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing
- The visually stunning presentation makes it perfect for any dinner table
- This dish offers versatility for various occasions, from family gatherings to romantic dinners
- You’ll enjoy the delightful combination of zesty lemon and rich butter sauce that elevates the salmon’s natural flavors
Ingredients for Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Classy Dish for Dad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose salmon fillets with bright color and firm texture; they should smell like the ocean.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for best results.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter to control saltiness in your sauce.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor; minced garlic works best.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish.
For the Sauce:
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Lemon Zest: Fresh zest enhances the lemon flavor without adding extra liquid.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Classy Dish for Dad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). Ensure it’s clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch is covered.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest while stirring gently until fragrant—about two minutes should do.
Step 4: Grill the Salmon
Place the seasoned salmon skin-side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for about six minutes before flipping them carefully using a spatula.
Step 5: Finish Cooking For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
Cook for an additional four minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Brush some of that luscious lemon butter sauce over top while grilling.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the grilled salmon fillets onto plates, drizzle generously with remaining lemon butter sauce, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful dish! Whether it’s Father’s Day or any day ending in “y,” your dad will think you’re a culinary genius—without spending hours in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- This delicious grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce offers a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your family and friends
- The bright citrus notes enhance the rich taste of the salmon, creating a dish that’s not only classy but also easy to prepare
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the perfect grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, start by marinating the salmon for at least 30 minutes. While it’s soaking up those tasty flavors, prepare your grill and lemon butter sauce. Grill the salmon for about six minutes per side for perfectly flaky results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding herbs like dill or parsley to your lemon butter sauce. You can swap out the salmon for another fish or even chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also give it a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect grilled salmon, ensure it’s at room temperature before grilling for even cooking
- Always preheat your grill to avoid sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks
- Don’t skip the marinade; it’s essential for flavor!
Sharing this recipe always reminds me of the first time I made it for my dad. He declared it the “best salmon ever” while doing a happy dance in my kitchen!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce?
To prepare Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce, you will need fresh salmon fillets, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can enhance the flavor with herbs like parsley or dill. Make sure to choose high-quality salmon for the best results. The combination of these ingredients creates a deliciously rich sauce that perfectly complements the grilled fish, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or family dinners.
How long does it take to grill salmon?
Grilling salmon typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side on medium-high heat. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. To ensure even cooking, preheat your grill and oil the grates. Once cooked, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F. This timing ensures that you achieve a beautifully grilled salmon with that delectable lemon butter sauce.
Can I make the lemon butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan, add fresh lemon juice and garlic, and mix well. Allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce on low heat until it’s warm again. This method allows you to save time during meal preparation while still enjoying that delightful flavor in your Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce.
What can I serve with Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce?
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You can also add some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. The bright flavors of lemon complement many dishes, making this salmon recipe versatile enough for any occasion.
Conclusion for Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Classy Dish for Dad
In summary, Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is an elegant yet simple dish that any dad would love. Using fresh ingredients like salmon and zesty lemon elevates this recipe to new heights. The grilling technique ensures a smoky flavor while the buttery sauce adds richness. This combination makes it not just a meal but a delightful experience worth sharing at family gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy this classy dish and create memorable moments around the dinner table!
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a deliciously elegant dish that combines succulent, flaky salmon with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will impress your family and friends. The rich flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) fresh salmon fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- Pat salmon fillets dry; season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Place salmon skin-side down on the grill; cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip.
- Grill for an additional 4 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork, brushing with lemon butter sauce while cooking.
- Serve garnished with parsley and drizzle extra sauce over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
