If you are craving a delightful and effortless seafood dish, this Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fresh flavors, the tender salmon pairs beautifully with a creamy, plant-based lemon butter sauce that enhances every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises a satisfying and vibrant meal that’s both colorful and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect even for beginner cooks.
Bright Flavors: The lemon butter sauce adds a fresh, zesty finish that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s and wholesome ingredients for a light yet filling meal.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
Versatile Pairings: Easily adapts to different side dishes and garnishes to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is essential for creating a delicious Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce. Each component plays a starring role, from the tender salmon fillets to the silky, plant-based lemon butter sauce that ties everything together.

Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for skin-on salmon for maximum flavor and crispness when grilled.
Fresh Lemons: Use both zest and juice to bring bright, natural tanginess to the sauce.
Plant-based Butter: Adds a creamy richness and smooth texture to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic Cloves: Provides aromatic depth and enhances the savory taste of the salmon.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): A subtle umami boost that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Fresh Herbs: Dill or parsley add vibrant color and a fresh, earthy finish to the dish.
Olive Oil: Essential for grilling and adds a delicate richness to the fish.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon.

Variations for Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it based on your pantry, dietary preferences, or adventurous mood. Small tweaks turn this classic into a fresh new delight every time.

Creamy Avocado Twist: Blend ripe avocado into the lemon butter sauce for a luscious green variation.
Herb Substitutions: Swap dill for fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
Smoked Turkey Bacon Topping: Crisp chopped smoked turkey bacon sprinkled on top for a smoky crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and double-check all condiments for gluten content.

Easy Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

How to Make Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by rinsing your salmon fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Brush the fillets lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill. Set aside while you prepare the lemon butter sauce.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the plant-based butter gently. Add finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about one minute. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, then whisk in a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Warm everything through, stirring to combine smoothly. Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped herbs for a vibrant finish.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon

Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates for easy release. Place salmon skin side down and grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The skin will become delightfully crispy, and the interior stays moist.

Step 4: Serve with Sauce

Transfer the grilled salmon fillets to a serving platter. Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce generously on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Scatter additional fresh herbs and lemon slices for extra brightness and eye appeal.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for the freshest salmon to ensure a tender, flavorful result.
Control Heat: Avoid high flames that can char the fish before it’s cooked through.
Use a Clean Grill: Prevent sticking by thoroughly cleaning and oiling your grill grates before cooking.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly; remove it from the grill as soon as it flakes easily to keep it moist.
Lemon Zest Power: Adding zest instead of just juice amps up the lemon flavor without extra acidity.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Brighten your plate with fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives sprinkled over the salmon. Thin lemon slices or wedges add both color and a squeeze of extra freshness for guests to enjoy.

Side Dishes

This grilled salmon shines over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice tossed with toasted almonds. Steamed asparagus or a crisp mixed greens salad make light, refreshing companions that balance the creamy lemon butter sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve salmon on a rustic wooden board with lemon halves and herb sprigs artistically arranged. Alternatively, plate fillets individually on warm dinner plates with drizzled lemon butter sauce and a sprinkle of smoked turkey slices for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the lemon butter sauce separately in a small jar to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze fully cooked salmon for up to one month. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave at reduced power to avoid drying out the fish. Reheat the lemon butter sauce on the stove and drizzle on just before serving to keep the sauce silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well when thawed properly in the refrigerator before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Is plant-based butter necessary?

Plant-based butter creates the perfect creamy texture and adds richness without overpowering the delicate salmon flavor.

Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely, prepare it a few hours ahead and warm gently before serving for convenience without compromising freshness.

What can I use instead of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce?

A splash of soy sauce or tamari works as a flavorful umami substitute in the lemon butter sauce.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of about 125°F for moist, medium doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a true kitchen winner easy to make, bright in flavor, and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re aiming for a simple family dinner or a memorable meal with friends, this dish brings warmth and freshness to the table in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Author: Christopher
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is an easy and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, skin-on salmon fillets paired with a creamy, plant-based lemon butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this vibrant and nutritious meal highlights bright citrus notes and fresh herbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Lightly brush the fillets with olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the plant-based butter. Add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about one minute. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then whisk in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Warm the mixture through while stirring to combine smoothly. Remove from heat and fold in the fresh chopped herbs for a vibrant finish.
Grill the Salmon: Heat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to ease release. Place the salmon fillets skin side down on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip carefully and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The skin will be crispy, and the interior moist.
Serve with Sauce: Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter. Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce generously over the fillets or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices for color and brightness.

Notes

Choose the freshest salmon available for the best flavor and texture.
Control the grill heat to prevent charring before the salmon is cooked through.
Use a clean and well-oiled grill to avoid sticking.
Remove salmon from the grill as soon as it flakes easily to retain moisture.
Adding lemon zest increases the lemon flavor without extra acidity.
The lemon butter sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and gently warmed before serving.
Frozen salmon can be used if fully thawed in the refrigerator prior to grilling.
For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
Swapping fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro is encouraged for different flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American