LEMON GARLIC GRILLED SALMON
Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon is a light yet flavour-packed dish that highlights the natural taste of fresh salmon with a citrusy, garlicky marinade. This simple recipe combines olive oil, black pepper, fresh lemon juice and garlic to create a mouthwatering dish that is high in protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids. It is a quick and easy meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant weekend dinner. The salmon is grilled to perfection, ensuring a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. This dish is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and suitable for low-carb, keto and paleo diets. Pair it with roasted vegetables, quinoa or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Whether cooked on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan, this lemon garlic salmon is a healthy and satisfying choice.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner, Main Course, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 Serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean, American, Scandinavian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Grill, Pan-Fry, No-Cook (Marination)
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Casual Dinner, Date Night, Family Reunion, Backyard BBQ
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Whole30, Keto, High Protein
DISH TYPE
Fish, Seafood, Protein-Packed Meal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Small Salmon Fillet
- ½ Teaspoon Olive Oil
- ½ Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic, Minced
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fibre: 0g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids:4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 320mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and black pepper.
- Marinate The Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel. Rub the marinade over the salmon, ensuring an even coating. Let the salmon marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavour).
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan over a medium-high flame, then lightly oil the grates to prevent them from
- Grill The Salmon: Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip using a spatula. Grill for another 3-4 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest And Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
PREP TIME
10 Minutes
COOKING TIME
6-8 Minutes
TIPS
- Grill Temperature: Preheat the grill to a medium-high flame to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Marination Time: While 10 minutes is sufficient, marinating for 30 minutes enhances flavour.
- Flipping The Salmon: Use a fish spatula to gently flip the salmon without breaking it.
- Internal Temperature: The ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C).
- Skin-On Salmon: If using skin-on salmon, cook skin-side down first to create a crispy texture.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Herbed Salmon: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley or thyme for a herbal twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice and add a teaspoon of soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Baked Version: If grilling is not an option, bake the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Honey Glazed: Drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the salmon before grilling for a sweet and tangy flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.