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This easy grilled salmon recipe uses simple seasoning and garlic butter for juicy, flaky salmon fillets in about 10 minutes on an outdoor grill. No marinade needed, and perfect for any grilling level.
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Why You'll Love This Grilled Salmon Recipe
Overcooked salmon is enough to make anyone think they do not like salmon. It ruins it for me too, and no amount of sauce is going to fix it.
This grilled salmon recipe is juicy, tender, glistening, and flaky, just the way salmon should be. There’s no marinating required, it cooks in under 10 minutes, and it’s mostly hands-off, which gives you time to make a quick cucumber tomato salad or air fryer asparagus while it grills.
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this grilled salmon recipe, and each one helps keep the fish flavorful without covering it up.
- Salmon fillets: Use fillets of similar size and thickness so they cook at the same rate. Atlantic salmon is richer and a little more forgiving on the grill, while Pacific wild salmon is leaner and usually cooks faster.
- Salt and pepper: This simple seasoning lets the salmon's flavor come through and pairs really well with the garlic butter.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps keep the salmon's surface from feeling dry.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold, savory flavor that makes the salmon taste extra special without much effort.
- Fresh dill: Dill adds a fresh finish that pairs naturally with salmon. Fresh parsley works too if that is what you have.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the rich butter and salmon, making everything taste lighter.
How to Prep and Season Salmon for the Grill
Before grilling, thaw the salmon completely if it was frozen and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any pin bones you find, then let the fillets rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to remove the chill. I also recommend keeping the skin on if possible, since it helps hold the salmon together and makes flipping easier.
This recipe keeps the seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and garlic butter. It adds plenty of flavor without covering up the salmon, which is one reason this recipe works so well for beginners.
How to Grill Salmon
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. If you have time, let the salmon rest at room temperature to promote even cooking. While it rests, make the garlic butter and reserve half for serving.
Brush the garlic butter all over the salmon, including the skin. Generously oil the grill grates.
Then place the salmon flesh-side down on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon releases easily from the grates. If it sticks, give it another minute or two—and trust the process. Don't force it.
Flip the salmon, close the lid, and cook for a few more minutes until it is opaque and flakes easily. Transfer it to a plate or platter, brush with the reserved garlic butter, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Know When Grilled Salmon Is Done
Grilled salmon is done when it flakes easily and looks opaque through the thickest part. For the most accurate check, use an instant-read thermometer. The USDA safe minimum internal temperature is 145°F, but many people prefer salmon at a lower internal temperature for a softer, more tender center. Thinner fillets will cook faster than thick ones, so start checking early to avoid overcooking.
Tips from the Test Kitchen
- Choose fillets of similar thickness: This helps the salmon cook at the same rate, so one piece does not dry out before the other is done.
- Skin on or off: Skin-on salmon is easier to grill because the skin helps hold the fillet together and adds a layer of protection from the grates. Skinless salmon can still work, but it is more delicate and more likely to break apart. For extra insurance, use a grill basket.
- Keep the garlic butter over low heat: Garlic can burn quickly, so low heat helps the butter melt gently while softening the garlic without making it taste bitter.
- Do not force the salmon: If it sticks to the grates when you try to lift it, let it cook a little longer. Salmon usually releases more easily when it is ready to flip.
- Use a thin spatula if you have one: A fish spatula or other thin metal spatula can slide under the salmon more easily and help keep the fillets from breaking apart.
- Salmon internal temperature guide: 120–125°F for medium-rare, 125–135°F for medium, 135–145°F for medium-well, and 145°F for well done.
- Remember that salmon keeps cooking after grilling: The fillets will continue to rise about 5°F after they come off the grill, so pulling them from the grill just before they reach your target temperature can help keep them moist.
What to Serve with Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon goes well with simple summer sides that keep dinner easy. If you're building a cookout plate, pair it with loaded potato salad, creamy cucumber salad, or orzo salad.
For a lighter meal, serve it with kale salad, a quinoa veggie salad, or grilled zucchini corn salad.
More Easy Seafood Dinners
📖 Recipe
Juicy Grilled Salmon with Garlic Butter
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Video
Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 2 (4-ounce) Salmon Fillets, or more as desired
- Salt and Black Pepper, for seasoning the fillets
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3-4 sprigs Fresh Dill, or parsley
- 1 Lemon, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the SALMON dry and remove any pin bones. Season lightly with SALT and PEPPER. If time permits, let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
- Meanwhile, melt the BUTTER in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in the GARLIC and cook just until fragrant, then stir in the FRESH DILL. Reserve half of the garlic butter and some fresh dill for serving.
- Brush the salmon all over, including the skin, with half of the garlic butter.
- Oil the grill grates. Place the salmon flesh-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon releases easily from the grates.
- Flip the salmon so that its skin faces down, close the lid, and cook for a few more minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate or platter and brush with the reserved garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Loosely cover and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- paper towels
- tongs or metal spatula
- instant-read thermometer optional
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Heidi Miller says
I loved your garlic butter. The fresh dill and lemon juice add just the right touch. Plus, being able to grill the salmon directly on the grill grates makes cleanup so easy. Oh... and your tip to use cooking spray directly on the grill grates. That was genius!!
Traci says
I'm so glad to hear it, Heidi 🙂 Thank you so much for coming back to let me know how you liked it. Much appreciated! Enjoy!!
Jason says
This is honestly my go to recipe for grilling salmon on the bbq. It's crazy to put the salmon skin side up to start but it releases and is seared on outside and melt in your mouth tender on the inside. Sooooooo good!
Traci says
I love knowing this, Jason. 🙂 Your description got me wanting to make it tonight lol! And I truly appreciate you for taking the time to share feedback 💛 Thank you
Anthony says
Don't season it with salt and pepper twice. I didn't have to make that mistake. It goes without saying
Traci says
Hey Anthony, thanks for catching that! It was a repeat and I’ve fixed it. I appreciate your feedback 🙂 Enjoy!
Chip says
Hard to go wrong with these ingredients! Delicious.
Traci says
I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thank you for trying my recipe and for sharing your experience. Much appreciated!
Donna says
Making this tonight I thought I will add some honey to the garlic butter as I make a garlic honey shrimp and love a bit of char from grilling. Let you know how it turns out !
Traci Antonovich says
Sounds amazing! Will love to hear how yours turned out. Thanks for trying my recipe!
Leah says
Made this tonight. Turned out really good. Can this be done with other fish? Halibut?
Traci says
I’m so glad you liked it! You can definitely try that, but since it tends to fall apart on the grill, I’d recommend using a grill basket for best results. Let me know if you go for it. Thanks and enjoy!
Leslie says
Soooo Yummy!
Traci says
I'm glad you're enjoying the recipe. Thanks so much!
Alan Miller says
Thanks for this recipe. I liked the combination of flavors and I appreciate the technique of grilling skin-side up first, I think this made a big difference in my finished product. Have been using many of your recipes lately, great work!
Traci says
Yay! I'm so glad my recipe made it into your hands and you went for it. Also glad you're enjoying my other recipes 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Emmeline says
This salmon looks so yummy!! Love the garlic butter on top - and served as in your pictures with a nice salad next to it is my idea of a great summer dinner!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thank you! Glad you can enjoy grilled salmon as much as I do
Emily Liao says
This is one of my absolute favorite ways to cook salmon! And this recipe nailed it with the butter
The Kitchen Girl says
Haha nice! The butter takes me there too LOL. Thanks, Emily...glad you can enjoy this one too!
Angela says
There is some great information here. I love all of these flavors and this salmon is wonderful.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Angela! So glad you're enjoying the recipe
Dannii says
I adore garlic butter salmon. The perfect light summer evening meal.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Dannii...looks like we're twinning on the grilled salmon love
Rosemary says
Love grilled salmon. This is actually one of my favorite ways of eating salmon. Healthy, light and no clean up. Can't go wrong with that 🙂 Thanks for the tip to use dill. I'm partial to parsley, but I do love dill. I'll mix up the next time I throw salmon on the grill.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Rosemary! Glad you like grilled salmon as much as I do Thanks!
Jeff says
Grilled salmon done right! I love the step by step photos. Salmon is so easy to overcook, but not with these clear instructions. Juicy and delicious every time!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm so glad you're enjoying this grilled salmon recipe, Jeff! It's a personal fav of mine
Marney says
I made this for meal for my family tonight. It was delicious and a huge hit with everyone.
The Kitchen Girl says
Woot! I'm so glad to be a part of your family meal. Grilled salmon is not always an easy win for the family and I'm glad yours loved it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know
Alison says
The salmon was nicely seasoned and your tips for grilling helped me get the perfect result. It wasn't overcooked and came out perfectly!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Alison! So glad to hear it. Yay for getting grilled salmon right
Dannii says
I am always looking for new ways to enjoy salmon and this looks amazing.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, thanks Dannii! So glad you can enjoy this...grilled salmon is one of my favorite summer dinners!
Cookilicious says
Thanks for the detailed recipe..that garlic butter on top is like a dream..love it
The Kitchen Girl says
You're SO welcome and thank you! Glad you can enjoy that garlic butter...it brings out the grilled salmon flavor
Jere says
I love grilled salmon prepared just like your recipe with simple seasonings. Glad to know how to grill both sides as I usually just do one side.
The Kitchen Girl says
Glad you can enjoy this recipe, Jere...thanks!
Emmeline says
What a great recipe - and so many helpful tips. This will be my go-to salmon for the summer!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! So glad to hear it ... thanks!!!
Irina says
I have never added garlic while making salmon. This something to give it a try: the recipe sounds delicious!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Irina So glad you can enjoy some grilled salmon with garlic!
Jill says
Great process photos. I'm always afraid to grill fish because I've done it before and it sticks and I've ruined it. I will try your recipe and see if I have more success!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awww, thanks Jill! I'm so glad to be able to give you more confidence. Grilled salmon can be very intimidating 🙂
Sara Welch says
This was such a great tasting meal; definitely my new favorite way to enjoy salmon! Delicious!
The Kitchen Girl says
Sooo glad you enjoyed this salmon recipe, Sara! Thank youuuuu ❤️
Anita says
Salmon is our favorite fish at home, so it's great to stumble on a new and simple recipe like yours. When the weather has turned cold again, we'll still be making this on our grill pan instead. 🙂
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes, so glad you can enjoy this grilled salmon in your grill pan too! Thanks, Anita
Emily Liao says
This was so delicious! I love garlic butter so this was a no brainer. The salmon was perfectly moist as well.
The Kitchen Girl says
So so glad you enjoyed this grilled salmon recipe, Emily! You're right about the garlic butter too Thanks!