Juicy grilled salmon with garlic herb butter makes an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
↓ Jump to RecipeThis easy grilled salmon is one of those dinners that looks impressive but doesn't require a lot of work. A smoky seasoning blend gives the salmon plenty of flavor, while garlic herb butter melts over the warm fillets for the perfect finishing touch.
Why You'll Love This Grilled Salmon
- Quick: Dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: You don't need a long marinade or complicated sauce.
- Plenty of flavor: Smoked paprika, garlic, lemon, and herb butter give the salmon a flavorful finish.
- Naturally gluten-free: No substitutions are needed to keep the salmon itself gluten-free.
- Easy to pair: Serve it with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad.
An Easy Dinner for Grilling Season
Salmon is one of my favorite choices when I want dinner to feel a little special without spending the evening in the kitchen. Once the grill is hot, the fish cooks quickly, so most of the work is simply seasoning it and mixing the garlic herb butter.
I like serving this one with rice because it catches a little of the melted butter and lemon from the salmon. Add your favorite vegetable and you've got an easy dinner without needing a long list of ingredients.
Grilled Salmon at a Glance
Cook: About 10 minutes
Total: About 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Method: Grill
Diet: Gluten-Free
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Easy Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
Juicy grilled salmon seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic and finished with a simple lemon garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked rice, optional
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to help prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the salmon.
- Place the salmon on the grill skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Close the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the salmon and continue grilling for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Cook until the thickest portion reaches 145°F.
- While the salmon cooks, stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and immediately top each fillet with a spoonful of garlic herb butter.
- Let the salmon rest briefly, then serve with fresh lemon wedges and rice or your favorite side dish.
Recipe Notes
- Salmon fillets vary in thickness, so use the cooking time as a guide rather than relying on the clock alone.
- Check the temperature in the thickest part of the salmon. Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- If your salmon has skin, starting skin-side down helps protect the delicate flesh from the direct heat of the grill.
- The garlic herb butter can be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
- Make sure any seasonings you use are labeled gluten-free if cross-contact is a concern.
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag @foreverbklover on Instagram.
Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon
Start with a hot, clean grill. Preheating the grill and cleaning the grates helps create those beautiful grill marks and makes the salmon easier to turn.
Pat the salmon dry. Removing excess moisture helps the oil and seasonings stick to the fish instead of sliding off.
Don't keep moving it. Give the salmon time to cook before trying to turn it. Once it has developed a good sear, it should release more easily from the grill.
Use a thermometer. Salmon fillets can vary quite a bit in thickness. Checking the thickest portion is more reliable than cooking strictly by time.
Easy Grilled Salmon Variations
Lemon Pepper: Skip the smoked paprika and use lemon pepper seasoning for a brighter flavor.
Blackened-Style: Use your favorite gluten-free Cajun or blackening seasoning for a little more heat.
Honey Garlic: Add a small drizzle of honey to the garlic herb butter for a sweet-and-savory finish.
No Grill? Try the Oven or Air Fryer
Oven: Place the seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until the thickest part reaches 145°F. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
Air Fryer: Place the seasoned fillets in a lightly greased air-fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F, checking early since thinner pieces will cook more quickly. Cook until the thickest portion reaches 145°F.
What to Serve with Grilled Salmon
Rice is an easy choice and is especially good with the garlic herb butter and lemon from the salmon. You could also serve it with roasted or grilled potatoes, green beans, asparagus, zucchini, or your favorite seasonal vegetables.
For a lighter meal, pair the salmon with a simple green salad and fresh fruit.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Salmon is best reheated gently so it doesn't dry out. Warm it in a covered skillet over low heat or in a low oven until heated through. You can also enjoy leftover salmon cold over a salad or rice bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave the skin on salmon when grilling?
You can grill salmon with or without the skin, but skin-on fillets are
especially convenient on the grill. Start them skin-side down and remove
the skin after cooking if you don't want to eat it.
How do I keep salmon from sticking to the grill?
Start with clean, hot grill grates, lightly oil the grates, and brush the
salmon with a little oil. Avoid trying to turn the fish too early.
How do I know when grilled salmon is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet. For food
safety, fish should reach 145°F. The flesh should also be opaque and separate
easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator, then pat it thoroughly dry
before seasoning and grilling.
Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until needed. Let it soften
slightly before spooning it over the hot salmon.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
You don't need much equipment for this recipe, but a few basic tools make grilling salmon easier. A wide fish spatula helps turn the fillets without breaking them, while an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of checking for doneness.
- Wide fish spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
- Grilling tongs
- Small bowl for mixing the garlic herb butter
You can find more of the practical kitchen tools and serving pieces I use on my Kitchen Essentials page.
More Easy Recipes to Try
If you're looking for another easy dinner or something a little special for your next cozy night in, try one of these:
- Brown Butter Scallops with Creamy Spinach Risotto — another seafood dinner that feels special without requiring a night out.
- Lazy Antipasti Salad — a quick, no-cook option for nights when you want plenty of flavor without spending much time in the kitchen.
- Hearty Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Reading Nights — a comforting dinner to save for cooler evenings.
Looking for more ideas? Browse all of my recipes by category, including seafood, gluten-free recipes, easy dinners, appetizers, soups and more.
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