Discover the perfect balance of bright lemon acidity and smoky char in this Ultimate Lemon Salmon recipe.
Author:Emma Collins
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:8 minutes
Total Time:38 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten-Free
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (juice and zest)
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 salmon fillets (wild-caught)
Instructions
Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, juice and zest of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon each of chopped dill and parsley, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl to create the marinade.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in a glass dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate the salmon for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time), turning once halfway through.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and lightly oil the grates with cooking spray.
Remove salmon from marinade and place skin-side down on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook without flipping for 6-8 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part – the salmon should flake easily.
Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, additional herbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Notes
Dry thoroughly first: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels before marinating.
Zest before juicing: Always zest your lemon before cutting it open for juice.
Temperature matters most: Invest in an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness.
Create a marinade barrier: Brush some marinade onto the grill grates before adding salmon.
Rest without covering: Let your grilled salmon rest on a plate for 3 minutes without covering it.