Savor the summer grilling season with this Easy Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce. Salmon filets are grilled until tender and flaky and served with the most amazing, lemon caper sauce that comes together in just 5-minutes! It’s a delicious, foolproof and healthy weeknight dinner!
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There’s no argument here: salmon is the ultimate protein! It’s light, healthy, and the buttery flavor is out of this world.
Plus, it’s easy to cook in any way you can imagine. Season the salmon filets and finish them in the Instant Pot, sous vide, frying pan, or oven.
In the summer, I love grilling salmon.
Grilled salmon turns out beautifully pink, flaky, and with a slightly smoky flavor.
Drizzle some (plate-licking good) lemon-butter caper sauce on top, pour yourself a glass of wine, and pair the filets with more healthy sides. Once you learn how easy it is to grill salmon, you’ll be making it every week!
Ingredients needed
- Salmon Filets
- Butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter so that I can control the salt level.
- Capers – These are sold in jars, typically by the pickles.
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt & Pepper
How to grill the salmon
- Spray aluminum foil lightly with cooking oil, then place it on your grill.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 350-375 degrees).
- Place the salmon on the foil in a single layer and grill for 10-15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the meat flakes easily when a fork is run over it. Serve and enjoy!
How to make lemon butter sauce for salmon
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, add the capers and garlic. Bring to a simmer, and continue cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt.
FAQs
When grilling salmon, it is generally recommended to cook it at medium-high heat (350 to 475 degrees). This temperature range allows for the salmon to cook through without drying out or burning.
As a general guideline, you can grill salmon for about 4 to 6 minutes per ½ inch of thickness. This can be adjusted based on how well-done you prefer your salmon.
To ensure that the salmon is cooked thoroughly, it’s always a good idea to use a food thermometer. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit when measured at the thickest part of the filet.
Yes, you can cook your salmon from frozen. Simply increase the grilling time to 20-25 minutes on a medium-high heat grill.
Salmon should be grilled with the skin on to prevent it from falling apart during grilling. Also, be sure to oil the grill grates or brush the salmon with oil before grilling to prevent sticking. Or, you can use foil or a grilling plank to help protect the delicate salmon flesh and add extra flavor during the grilling process.
Salmon is safe to eat when it reaches 145ºF on a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, press the filet gently with a fork. The flesh should flake really easily if it’s done.
Serving suggestions
Pair your salmon with these 45+ Sides for Salmon or use these suggestions instead:
Erin’s wine pairings for grilled salmon
The best wines to pair with salmon will vary based on the way it’s cooked. Any of these pairings will compliment grilled salmon beautifully:
- Grilled salmon is extra delicious when paired with a bright and acidic wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
- Looking for a pairing for the lemon caper sauce? It’s delicious with a rich Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Red wine pairs with salmon too. Stick to a lighter-bodied red, like Pinot Noir.
More salmon recipes
Plus, check out these 15+ Sauces for Salmon!
Did you make this grilled salmon with capers?
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Note: This recipe will also work with trout or steelhead. Learn more about trout vs. salmon and steelhead vs. salmon here.
Full Recipe
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Filets
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons jarred capers (drained)
- 1 clove garlic (grated or minced)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Spray aluminum foil lightly with cooking oil, then place it on your grill.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 350-375 degrees).
- Place the salmon on the foil in a single layer and grill for 10-15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the meat flakes easily when a fork is run over it.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, add the capers and garlic. Bring to a simmer, and continue cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt.
- Enjoy your salmon with the lemon caper sauce spooned over the top.
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