Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
4 Reviews

If you're looking for a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, this Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon is the dish for you. It's quick, packed with fresh herbs, and brings a zesty punch of lemon that's perfect for any season. A go-to for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon

The star of this dish is the salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Its natural flavors pair beautifully with the tangy and aromatic marinade. Speaking of which, the lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps tenderize the fish. The olive oil contributes a rich, smooth texture while preventing the salmon from sticking to the grill.

Garlic provides a savory depth, balancing the citrus notes, while fresh dill and parsley add vibrant, herby flavors that complement the fish beautifully. The salt and black pepper are simple yet essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t over-marinate; 15 minutes is perfect for flavor without compromising texture.
  • If your salmon fillets are uneven in thickness, tuck the thin ends under for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs beautifully with a light quinoa salad or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrusy notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can cook the salmon in a hot skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes.
How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F is ideal.

Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First up, you'll want to get your grill preheating to medium-high heat. This temperature ensures a good sear on the salmon without overcooking it. While the grill is warming up, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is your marinade, and it's where all the magic happens.

Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the fish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This short marinating time infuses the salmon with all that lovely flavor without making it mushy.

When your grill is ready and the salmon has marinated, place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. You'll want to see those nice grill marks start to form. Then, flip the fillets carefully and let them cook another 4-6 minutes. You're looking for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Once done, remove the salmon from the grill, and serve immediately. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for that extra pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare and cook in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses fresh ingredients that burst with flavor.
  • Perfectly light yet satisfying, ideal for a healthy dinner.
  • Impressively simple – great for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 lemons, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them.
4. Let the salmon marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
5. Grill the salmon skin-side down for 6-8 minutes.
6. Flip and grill for another 4-6 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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