Let’s be real: salmon is the one fish that feels fancy and foolproof — unless you overcook it, flake it wrong, or forget to oil the grill (we’ve all been there). But this recipe? It’s ridiculously easy, tastes gourmet, and works whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just trying to eat like an adult on a Tuesday.
Minimal prep. Zero weird ingredients. Just juicy, flaky salmon with crispy edges and major flavor.
Let’s go.
Grilled Salmon with Garlic-Lemon Butter
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10–12 min
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional but makes you look fancy)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If you’re using a grill pan, same deal — get it nice and hot.
2. Prep the salmon:
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Grease the grill grates or your fish will rebel. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil, or spray it carefully if you like living dangerously.
4. Grill skin-side down first for 6–7 minutes. Don’t touch it. Let it crisp up.
5. Flip gently with a wide spatula and grill for another 4–5 minutes until the salmon is opaque, slightly firm, and flakes easily.
6. Mix the lemon juice and melted butter together and drizzle it over the fillets.
7. Finish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve immediately — this stuff doesn’t like to wait around.
What to Serve It With:
- Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini
- A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic
- Garlic rice or couscous (for soaking up that lemon butter)
- Cold glass of crisp white wine or citrusy sparkling water
Tips for Not Screwing It Up:
- Don’t walk away from the grill. Salmon cooks fast.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re anxious: 125°F for medium.
- If you’re cooking skinless fillets, use foil or a fish basket to avoid sad salmon scrapes.
Bonus: Leftover Magic
Toss cold grilled salmon into a salad the next day with avocado and a creamy dill dressing. Now you’re healthy and efficient. Look at you go.
Where to Buy Fresh Salmon in Sacramento
1. Sunh Fish Located at 1313 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818, Sunh Fish is renowned for its sushi-grade seafood, including premium salmon. They offer a wide variety of fresh fish and are a go-to for local chefs and home cooks alike.
2. Oto’s Marketplace Situated at 4990 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822, Oto’s Marketplace boasts a large selection of quality fresh fish, shellfish, and sushi-grade seafood. Their offerings include Ora-King premium farm-raised salmon from New Zealand, known for its high natural oil content and sustainability.
3. Ferrari Fisheries Based in West Sacramento, Ferrari Fisheries provides fresh, sustainably caught seafood directly from the boat. They offer a variety of fish, including salmon, and will filet your purchase as a courtesy. Pick-up is available at 4520 S River Road, West Sacramento, CA.
4. FreshWay Fish Operating in Northern California, FreshWay Fish sells fresh seafood at farmers markets and offers home delivery services. They provide a range of seafood products, including fresh fish fillets and smoked fish, ensuring quality and convenience.
Want more real recipes that don’t suck and don’t take 3 hours? Check out wife’s Lasagne here!
