Ruth’s Chris Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon

This lemon butter grilled salmon is inspired by the rich, restaurant-style flavor you’d expect from a steakhouse classic. Perfectly seared or grilled salmon fillets are finished with a silky garlic lemon butter sauce that adds brightness and depth without overpowering the fish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve guests. The balance of buttery richness, citrus freshness, and light herbs makes this dish consistently satisfying.

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:

2–4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2–4 garlic cloves (minced)

Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tbsp)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Optional Enhancements:

Lemon wedges or slices (for serving)

½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional heat)

¼ cup chicken broth or white wine (for added depth)

Instructions

Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Preheat Grill or Pan
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.

Cook Salmon
Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Remove & Rest
Transfer salmon to a plate and let it rest while preparing the sauce.

Make Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.

Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Add Lemon & Optional Liquid
Pour in lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional broth or wine. Stir gently.

Season & Finish
Add chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer briefly.

Add Fresh Herbs
Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Serve
Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

Always pat salmon dry for a better sear.

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Don’t overcook salmon; it should flake easily but stay moist.

Keep heat medium-high for a nice crust.

Use a fish spatula for easy flipping.

Add butter at the end to prevent burning.

Let salmon rest briefly to retain juices.

Use skin-on fillets for extra flavor and protection while cooking.

Adjust garlic based on your preference.

Taste the sauce before serving and adjust acidity or salt.

Variations

Oven-Baked Version: Bake salmon at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes.

Creamy Sauce: Add a splash of cream to the lemon butter sauce.

Herb Mix: Use dill, thyme, or basil instead of parsley.

Spicy Version: Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce.

Honey Lemon Glaze: Add 1 tbsp honey for sweetness.

Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a stronger flavor.

Crispy Skin Style: Cook skin-side longer for extra crispiness.

Grilled Foil Pack: Wrap salmon in foil with sauce and grill.

Low-Fat Option: Reduce butter and increase lemon juice.

Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and capers to the sauce.

Q&A

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

How do I know salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque inside.

Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely, baking works just as well.

What’s the best type of salmon?
Atlantic or wild-caught salmon both work great.

Can I skip butter?
Yes, but butter adds richness to the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.

What sides go well with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is recommended for better flavor.

How do I avoid dry salmon?
Don’t overcook and monitor closely.

How long do leftovers last?
Up to 2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving)

Calories: 420–480 kcal

Protein: 34–38g

Fat: 28–32g

Carbohydrates: 2–4g

Fiber: 0–1g

Conclusion

Ruth’s Chris–style Lemon Butter Grilled Salmon is a simple yet refined dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The tender salmon paired with a bright, buttery sauce creates a perfect balance that works for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you try it, it’s likely to become one of your go-to salmon recipes thanks to its ease, versatility, and consistently great results.