Grilled Salmon with garlic lime butter is flaky, juicy, and cooked to perfection with crispy salmon skin. Brushing on the flavored butter makes each bite irresistible.

We’re sharing our best tips for cooking salmon on the grill so it doesn’t stick. Watch the video tutorial and see why we are so obsessed with this salmon recipe.

Grilled salmon on platter with lime and dill

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Watch Grilled Salmon Video Tutorial:

Watch Natasha make this amazing salmon on the grill and learn all of our best tips and tricks for easy flipping and preventing salmon from sticking to the grill. Grilled salmon is quick and easy to make, and infused amazing flavor. That flavored butter is so good, we even used it on Grilled Corn on the Cob.

Your family and dinner guests will be humming over this salmon recipe. It’s sure to become your go-to salmon recipe for grilling season.

Grilled Salmon Recipe:

Break out the BBQ for this Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter and eat like you’re on vacation! Cooking salmon on the grill adds incredible smoky tones to salmon and the flavored butter takes it over the top with fresh summer flavor.

This grilled salmon recipe is easy-easy-easy. It marinates while you preheat your grill and cooks super fast.

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon and Garlic Lime Butter:

No need to go to a million different stores on a wild goose chase for any oddball ingredients for this recipe! Simple yet flavorful is the motto here! Just grab a few basic ingredients and you’ll be ready to get grilling.

  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic smashed (NOT PRESSED)
  • Lime juice plus lime wedges to serve
  • Fresh dill
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 lb Salmon filet (SKIN-ON)

Salmon recipe ingredients with skin-on-salmon filet, lime, butter, garlic, and dill

Tools for Grilled Salmon:

This recipe is simple and does not require any fancy equipment. Here are the tools we use to make it easier and safer to grill salmon.

How to Make Garlic Lime Butter:

This amazing flavored butter is used to marinate, baste, and then brush the salmon once it’s off the grill.

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and add smashed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 1 minute until fragrant then add chopped dill and lime juice and immediately remove from heat.

Cook’s Tip: Smashing the garlic infuses great garlic flavor into the butter sauce without burning on the grill.

Step by step how to make garlic lime butter

How to Grill Salmon:

1. Spoon 1/3 of the sauce over the salmon then brush it on to distribute. Let salmon rest and marinate while preheating the grill.

Brushing salmon filets to grill

2. Preheat grill to medium/high (350˚F-400˚F) and oil the grates. Place salmon onto grill, skin-side-up. Cover and grill over medium/high for 3 minutes.

3. Loosen salmon with a spatula if needed, then carefully flip over and brush the tops with 1/3 of the garlic-lime butter then cover and cook another 2-3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140˚F then transfer to a platter (it will rise to 145˚F while it rests).

4. Transfer to a platter and drizzle with 1/3 sauce reserved in the saucepan (if the butter sauce hardens, heat on the stove just until melted). Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the top.

Brushing salmon with flavored butter on the grill

How to Keep Salmon from Sticking to the Grill:

Do yourself a favor and oil the grates! It’s a quick step that will make grilling and flipping salmon so much easier. Oil the grates after preheating. To oil the grill, dip a folded paper towel in a high heat cooking oil (it should not be dripping with oil). Use tongs to hold the oiled paper towel and rub over the hot grates. This also works great when making Grilled Salmon Skewers.

Salmon Grilling Tips:

  • When grilling salmon, be sure to buy skin-on salmon fillets. Salmon is very tender and flaky and the skin helps keep it together on the grill without falling through the grates.
  • The butter in this recipe makes the salmon juicy and rich in flavor – don’t worry about the amount as some of it is lost on the grill.
  • When flipping salmon, wear an oven mitt and start with the filets at the back in case of flare-ups.

Perfectly Grilled salmon filets drizzled with garlic lime butter and served with lime wedges

How Long Do You Grill Salmon?

So you know how long to cook salmon on the grill, we created this salmon grilling chart. The ideal internal doneness temperature is 145˚F. We take it off the grill about five degrees early since the temperature will continue to rise as the salmon rests off the grill. If you see white beads forming on the salmon, that means it is overcooking.

Follow these salmon grilling guidelines for cooking over medium heat (350˚F):

  • 1″ thick fillets = 3 minutes per side
  • 3/4″ thick fillets = 2-3 minutes per side
  • 1/2″ thick fillets = 2 minutes per side

Flaked grilled salmon on a plate with lime

What to Serve with Grilled Salmon:

In just 30 minutes or less, you’ll have dinner on the table for a simple weeknight meal everyone will enjoy. Serve it with Grilled Vegetables, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Fluffy White Rice to complete the meal.

If you need more menu inspiration, explore all of our Side Dish Recipes.

Love Salmon? Try Our Top Salmon Recipes:

There’s so much you can do with salmon and the recipe options are endless! These are the top-rated salmon recipes on our site. It’s so hard to pick a favorite.

Grilled Salmon Recipe with Garlic Lime Butter

4.97 from 52 votes
Grilled salmon on a blue plate flaked with a fork
Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter and eat like you're on vacation! Go-To Grilled Salmon recipe - easy, flaky and so juicy!
Prep Time: 24 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 (6 oz each) salmon filets
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp)
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed (NOT PRESSED)
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice , (from 1 lime)plus lime wedges to serve
  • 2 Tbsp dill, chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 lbs salmon filet, skin-on, cut into 6 portions

Instructions

  • In a sauce pan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Smash 4 garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife and add to saucepan with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Simmer 1 min or until fragrant. Add chopped dill and 2 Tbsp lime juice then immediately remove from heat.
  • Arrange salmon fillets on a platter skin-side-down and spoon on 1/3 of butter sauce and brush over the tops. Let salmon marinate while preheating grill.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat (350˚F to 400˚F). Oil the hot grates. Place salmon onto preheated grill, skin-side-up. Cover and grill over medium (350˚F) heat undisturbed, about 3 minutes on the first side.
  • Carefully flip salmon over (it helps to have a spatula to loosen it and tongs to flip it over), brush on 1/3 of butter sauce then cover and cook another 2 minutes (or according to salmon grilling chart), until internal temperature reaches 140˚F (the temperature will continue to rise to an ideal 145˚F internal temperature off the grill).
  • Transfer salmon to a platter and drizzle with remaining 1/3 of sauce in saucepan (if butter has hardened, heat on the stovetop just until melted). Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over salmon.

Notes

***Salmon Grilling Chart for med/high heat (350˚F):
1″ thick fillets = 3 minutes per side
3/4″ thick fillets = 2-3 minutes per side
1/2″ thick fillets = 2 minutes per side

Nutrition Per Serving

355kcal Calories1g Carbs30g Protein25g Fat11g Saturated Fat124mg Cholesterol457mg Sodium749mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar545IU Vitamin A2.1mg Vitamin C26mg Calcium1.2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Salmon Recipe with Garlic Lime Butter
Amount per Serving
Calories
355
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Cholesterol
 
124
mg
41
%
Sodium
 
457
mg
20
%
Potassium
 
749
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
 
545
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
 
2.1
mg
3
%
Calcium
 
26
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1.2
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled salmon, how to grill samon
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 355
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

 

My entire family really enjoyed this salmon. My 2-year old was surprised by the taste at first (must have been the fresh lime that excited her taste buds) but she enjoyed it also! That is just the best feeling when your kids happily eat something you make and especially when salmon is full of brain and heart-boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. YES!!

Break out the BBQ for this Grilled Salmon with Garlic Lime Butter and eat like you're on vacation! Go-To Grilled Salmon recipe - it excites your taste buds! | natashaskitchen.com
4.97 from 52 votes (15 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Kara
    July 1, 2019

    Such a great idea to use skin on salmon for grilling. It was always frustrating for me when pieces of the salmon would break off and fall through the grate. This is my new favorite way to grill salmon!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 1, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Kara!

      Reply

  • norton.com/setup
    November 24, 2018

    nice food i loved it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2018

      I’m so happy you are enjoying that! Thank yoU!

      Reply

  • Miriam
    August 6, 2018

    Just made this salmon tonight and everyone absolutely LOVED it!!! Thank you for the amazing recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 7, 2018

      That’s so great Miriam! I’m happy you all enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • NatashaM
    May 6, 2018

    This looks amazing!!! Can I use lemon instead of lime? If so same amount?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 7, 2018

      Hi Natasha, yes lemon would still work well here 🙂

      Reply

  • Ellie Williams
    August 30, 2017

    I love it so much. Mouthwatering food.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2017

      I totally agree Ellie! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • johnmcafee
    August 29, 2017

    I love it so much. Mouthwatering food. Its the bright color of salmon. Cant wait to try it….

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 29, 2017

      It is so easy to make and so delicious too! Please let me know what you think!

      Reply

  • Mark Woerner
    August 16, 2017

    Why unsalted butter. Just healthier or does it affect taste?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 16, 2017

      Hi Mark, I always purchase unsalted butter for cooking and baking so I can control how much salt goes into the recipe. You can absolutely use salted butter but you probably want to cut back on the salt in the recipe if you do that.

      Reply

  • Lena Smith
    August 8, 2017

    just love the recipe… awesome

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 8, 2017

      I’m glad you like it Lena! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply

  • Ema
    August 3, 2017

    I made this today and it was to die for! So so flavorful and fresh tasting with the lime. I baked it because it didn’t have the time to grill, and it was amazing. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 4, 2017

      You’re welcome Ema! I’m glad to hear you love this recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Jessica
    July 2, 2017

    My husband and I recently changed our diet to mostly seafood, and sometimes baked or grilled chicken. I really appreciate this recipe. It looks like it will be divine!!! Can’t wait to get the grill going tomorrow! What sides do you suggest?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 2, 2017

      Hi Jessica, my favorite thing to serve with salmon is asparagus and here is our go-to recipe. Rice or potatoes would also be very good. It’s really hard to narrow it down wit this one because it pairs well with so many different dishes.

      Reply

  • Akmal Yousuf
    June 28, 2017

    Awesome recipe. I tired it and it was really so great. I have even suggested it to my cook.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 28, 2017

      I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sharon
    June 27, 2017

    No grill here, any chance this can be baked in the oven, with a similar outcome?

    Reply

  • Greg Pavich
    June 24, 2017

    Can’t wait to try it out! Your other oven baked salmon recipe is my go to recipe when cooking salmon. But will try this out for sure! Actually all I ever do is look at your site for recipe ideas. Never been disappointed! Love them all. Thank you very much for making me a better chef 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 25, 2017

      Thank YOU Greg for following! Please let me know what you think of this recipe when you decide to try it!

      Reply

  • Electric griddle
    June 23, 2017

    Great! i must commend this meal. would love to add this to my rice in the evening. great recipe natasha.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 23, 2017

      I hope you love it!

      Reply

      • Electric griddle
        June 24, 2017

        It was classy! You are a good Chef.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          June 24, 2017

          Thank you so much!

          Reply

  • Olga
    June 22, 2017

    Hi Natasha,
    Just from looking at the pictures i imagine how it smells right from grill, and that is exactly how i prefer to eat salmon.
    Trying this recipe tomorrow!
    Great pictures, as always! What camera do you use and what lens? Is that same that you use for photographing your children?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 23, 2017

      Hi Olga! I do love how salmon smells on the grill. It’s tantalizing!! I use a canon 6d and for food I use a 100mm lens. For kids I use a 50mm lens more. 🙂 I have more info on these in the resources section of my blog.

      Reply

  • Vicki
    June 22, 2017

    Another great recipe. I wish I could hire you to be my chef. I love your recipes

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2017

      I’m happy to hear you love them! Thanks for following Vicki and sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Alena
    June 22, 2017

    OMG, I’m going to eat my laptop, it looks soo delicious!! How did you take that picture with fire without actually burning the salmon? 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 22, 2017

      Ha ha!! That happens to me all the time late at night when I’m hungrily looking at pictures of food. It was a good catch with the photo – right as the flame shot up between the salmon filets. The flame died down quickly 🙂

      Reply

  • Sara @ The Ravenous Housewife
    June 21, 2017

    This looks so delicious!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 21, 2017

      Thank you Sara! 🙂

      Reply

  • Laura ~ Raise Your Garden
    June 21, 2017

    Your garlic lime butter sounds fantastic! In the past, my fish tastes, how do I say this…?!? Hmmm. Fishy. You know. Not very good! But if you’re 2-year-old eats it, that’s good enough for me because I’m as picky as a 2-year-old.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 21, 2017

      Yes!! I completely agree!

      Reply

  • Natalie
    June 21, 2017

    My mouth is watering for a this – especially that juicy second photo!! I love the combo of lime and dill.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 21, 2017

      Oh it is so delicious. The flavors work really well together, especially on salmon! Thanks Natalie!

      Reply

      • Peter Steinke
        May 22, 2020

        Recently found you. Really enjoy the videos…you are fun and the food looks AMAZING!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 23, 2020

          Thank you for that wonderful review, Peter! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

          Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.