Kimberly Recipes

Name: Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy & Best Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 wild-caught salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy & Best Recipe

July 04, 2026

There's something magical about the combination of smoky grilled fish and a bright, buttery sauce. This Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is my go-to for a fast, flavorful dinner that feels fancy yet is so simple to prepare. The secret lies in a compound butter infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest, which melts into a silky sauce as soon as it hits the hot salmon. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner looking for easy grilled salmon recipes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy & Best Recipe

Getting that perfect crust on the grill is easier than you think. By patting the fillets dry and seasoning them just before cooking, you ensure a beautiful golden sear without drying out the fish. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the natural richness of the salmon. This recipe is not only the best grilled salmon I've ever made, but it's also a versatile base—serve it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Ready to become your new weeknight hero?

Quick Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy & Best Recipe

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 (56 ratings)

⏱️ Prep: 10 mins 🍳 Cook: 13 mins 🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 wild-caught salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon fine sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Lemon Herb Butter

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Mix: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Set aside at room temperature—this compound butter will melt over the hot fish.
Pat: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to promote even browning. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Season just before grilling to keep the fish moist.
Preheat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates. Place the salmon skin-side up on the grill and cook undisturbed for 8 minutes to develop a golden crust.
Flip: Flip the fillets carefully and continue grilling for 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Transfer the salmon to serving plates while still hot. Spoon the lemon herb butter generously over each fillet, allowing it to melt into a luscious sauce. Serve immediately.