Description
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is a fresh, flavorful, and effortless meal that features tender salmon fillets paired with a creamy plant-based lemon butter sauce bursting with bright citrus and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is healthy, vibrant, and visually stunning with versatile cooking options and easy customization.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons smoked turkey bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon smoked turkey slices, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Rinse and pat dry the fresh salmon fillets. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to ensure a juicy, well-flavored base.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the plant-based butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and natural gelling agent, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened. Fold in finely chopped fresh dill and parsley for an herbaceous lift.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the grilled salmon on plates and generously spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle optional smoked turkey bacon bits or chopped smoked turkey slices for extra smoky crunch. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Use room temperature salmon for even cooking and to prevent dry edges.
- Do not overcrowd the grill to allow for beautiful grill marks and crisp edges.
- Always use fresh dill and parsley for the brightest and most lively flavor.
- Keep the lemon butter sauce warm on very low heat to avoid solidifying before serving.
- Test for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork; it should be tender yet hold its shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: grilled salmon, lemon butter sauce, plant-based butter, fresh herbs, healthy salmon recipe, quick dinner, dairy-free salmon