Grilled Salmon with Lemon

Fire up the grill! Tonight, you’re serving this grilled salmon with lemon, and everyone’s taste buds are about to thank you. Made with a creamy, herb-packed marinade, fresh dill and slices of bright, light lemon, this recipe takes an otherwise fine fish and turns it into an out-of-this-world fillet. Make the marinade in the morning, and let the salmon soak in it all day. In the evening, you’ll heat up the grill and have dinner ready in 15. Serve this dish with a side of vegetables and a crisp, fresh salad for a meal that’ll leave everyone singing your praises.

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon with Lemon

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• Herbs: For the marinade, you’ll be using fresh dill or dill weed, lemon-pepper seasoning, salt and garlic powder.
• Salmon: Pick a fresh salmon fillet, about 1-1/2 pounds.
• Brown sugar: This recipe calls for just the smallest amount of brown sugar, which is useful for creating a caramelized, sweet glaze that crisps to perfection on the grill.
• Liquids: To create a rich flavor profile, you’ll be using chicken broth, canola oil and soy sauce to give the marinade a well-rounded, slight umami that’ll infuse the salmon meat with juicy flavor and texture.
• Fresh produce: Finely chopped green onions, thinly sliced lemons and onion slices will all add depth to the salmon and marinade flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Season the salmon

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Sprinkle the dill, lemon-pepper, salt and garlic powder over the salmon fillet.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

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In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the brown sugar, broth, oil, soy sauce and green onions. Carefully add the salmon to the bag, seal it, then turn it to coat the salmon evenly. Put the bag in a large bowl and refrigerate it for one hour, turning it once.

Step 3: Grill the salmon

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Heat the grill to medium. Drain and discard the marinade. Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down, with the lemon and onion slices arranged over the top. Cover and grill the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry, just use your broiler instead. Place the fillet on a greased broiler pan. Broil it 3 to 4 inches from the heat for six to eight minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

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Grilled Salmon with Lemon Variations

• Top it with nuts: Finely chop pistachios and sprinkle them over the top of the fish. This will give it a nice crunch, as well as a boost in flavor and nutrients.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, basil or cilantro will all add a nice bright, light flavor profile to the grilled salmon.
• Add white wine: For an extra boost in flavor, add a few tablespoons of white wine to the marinade.

How to Store Grilled Salmon with Lemon

To store any leftovers, allow the salmon to cool completely, then wrap it in an airtight wrap or container. For the best results, place it in the coldest part of the fridge.

How long does lemon grilled salmon last?

As long as the salmon is properly stored, it will last for three to four days in the fridge.

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Tips

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How do you select a quality salmon fillet?

A telltale sign that you’ve selected a poor fish? It smells like fish. While this might seem counterintuitive, fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not fish. Additionally, it should not be slimy. You want the fish to be moist, thick and meaty. If it’s dried out or floppy, it’s a bust. Avoid brown spots, bruised skin or anything resembling flakiness. If you’ve selected farmed salmon, it should be a vibrant, light coral-pink color. Wild-caught salmon will be a darker pink.

Is farmed or wild-caught salmon better?

Wild salmon is considered the better of the two in terms of flavor, texture and available nutrients, although both types of salmon can be safe to eat.

What else should I serve with lemon grilled salmon?

Salmon is a neutral fish, and its flavors are complementary with a wide variety of side dishes. Fresh corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, a light gazpacho – truly, if you’re feeling it, anything goes.