Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
Welcome to your new favorite fish dinner recipe! This Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon is incredibly flavorful, remarkably simple, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. You’ll love how quickly this impressive dish comes together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon fillets: Aim for skin-on or skinless, your preference. Other firm white fish like cod or halibut can work.
- Lemons: Fresh is best for bright flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
- Fresh Herbs (Dill, Parsley, Chives): Dried herbs can be used, but fresh offers superior taste. Experiment with rosemary or thyme.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma. Garlic powder can be substituted.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one for juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Grilling tongs, mixing bowl, small brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. This prepares your cooking surface for perfect fish dinner recipes.
2. Make the Herb Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, juice from one lemon, chopped dill, parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
3. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them on a plate or in a shallow dish. Brush the herb mixture generously over both sides of each salmon fillet.
4. Grill the Salmon
Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, on the preheated grill. Arrange lemon slices directly on top of each fillet. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the grilled salmon from the grill. Serve immediately with extra fresh lemon wedges if desired. This makes a delightful fish dinner.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
- Citrus Boost: Experiment with lime or orange juice in addition to lemon.
- Foil Packet: For easier cleanup, cook the salmon in foil packets on the grill.
- Oven Baked: If grilling isn’t an option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying it out. This keeps your delicious fish dinner ready for another meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you use frozen salmon for this fish dinner recipe?
A: Yes, ensure your frozen salmon is completely thawed before marinating and grilling for the best results.
Q: How do you know when salmon is fully cooked?
A: Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Do you need to remove the skin before grilling?
A: No, you can grill with the skin on. The skin often helps keep the salmon moist and can be easily removed after cooking if you prefer.
Q: What side dishes pair well with Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon?
A: This fish dinner is excellent with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or rice.
Q: Can you prepare the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can mix the herb marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Q: Is marinating salmon necessary?
A: Marinating isn’t strictly necessary, but it infuses the salmon with delicious flavors and helps keep it moist, enhancing your fish dinner.
