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.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 skin-on fresh salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley), chopped
Garnishes and Optional Toppings
- Extra fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), chopped
- Lemon slices or wedges
- 2 tbsp smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped (optional)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Grilled Salmon, Lemon Butter Sauce, Plant-based Butter, Seafood Recipe, Quick Healthy Dinner