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Grilled Lemon Garlic Salmon

Juicy grilled salmon fillets with a bright lemon garlic marinade, cooked to flaky perfection on the grill.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving

Equipment

  • gas or charcoal grill
  • tongs
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • basting brush
  • instant-read thermometer
  • aluminum foil (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place salmon in a dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over, turning to coat. Marinate 15 minutes at room temperature (not longer — acid will cook the fish).
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates well.
  5. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Close lid. Cook 4-5 minutes without moving.
  6. Carefully flip using a thin spatula. Cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (145°F internal temp). The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.
  7. Remove from grill. Let rest 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (275°F) or microwave in short bursts. For food safety, do not leave cooked salmon at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If using skinless fillets, reduce cook time by 1 minute per side and oil the grill grates extra well. Common allergens: fish. For a dairy-free option, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. For gluten-free, confirm your Dijon mustard is gluten-free (most are). For specific dietary needs, consult a qualified professional.