Best Lemon Grilled Salmon
This Mediterranean-inspired grilled salmon is marinated in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a slightly crisp outside and tender, flaky inside. It’s light, full of flavor, and done in under 30 minutes.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 15–30 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Marinade:
4 salmon fillets (about 150g each), skin-on or skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip bag and pour marinade over them.
Let marinate at room temperature for 15–30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 1 hour). Don’t over-marinate to avoid “cooking” the fish in the lemon.
Step 2: Grill the Salmon
Outdoor Grill:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
Lightly oil the grill grates.
Place salmon skin-side down. Grill 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Grill Pan or Stovetop:
Heat grill pan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips:
Don’t overcook! Salmon is perfect when slightly translucent in the center. Remove at 125°F (52°C) and let it rest.
Skin-on salmon is easier to grill without breaking.
Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor and sustainability.
Serve with Mediterranean sides: herbed rice, couscous, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake this instead?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, thaw fully first and pat dry before marinating.
Q: Can I skip the marinade time?
A: Yes — even 5–10 minutes gives great flavor, but longer is better.
Q: What herbs can I use instead of oregano?
A: Thyme, basil, rosemary, or dill work well.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 1g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 180mg
Omega-3s: Excellent source
Vitamin D: High