Best grilled salmon with garlic herb marinade

Best Grilled Salmon with Garlic Herb Marinade

Grilled salmon is a classic and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion. When paired with a garlic herb marinade, the rich, buttery taste of salmon is enhanced with a burst of fresh, savory flavors. This recipe brings together garlic, fresh herbs, and a few other simple ingredients to create a marinade that will leave your taste buds craving more. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, and grilling the salmon adds a smoky, charred flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, and chopped dill. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended. This marinade will infuse the salmon with a burst of flavor while also helping to keep it tender during grilling.

Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the garlic herb marinade over the fish, ensuring that each fillet is coated evenly. For the best flavor, let the salmon marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, a quick 10-15 minute marination will still yield delicious results.

Preheat the Grill: While the salmon is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, ensure it’s fully heated, and if you're using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a consistent, medium heat. Clean the grill grates with a wire brush to prevent sticking and ensure even grilling.

Grill the Salmon: Once the grill is hot, place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) on the grates. Close the grill lid and cook for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Use a spatula to gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.

Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the salmon from the grill. Serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a slice of lemon if desired. This grilled salmon pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Salmon:

For extra smoky flavor, try adding wood chips to the grill or using a cedar plank to cook the salmon.

If you prefer your salmon with crispy skin, ensure the grill is well-oiled, and the fish is not moved too much during cooking.

Experiment with other herbs such as basil, oregano, or rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.

Delicious Creamy Dill Salmon in 10 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious salmon recipe, creamy dill salmon is the perfect choice. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal. The rich creaminess of the dill sauce beautifully complements the salmon, creating a balanced dish that is both light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. The sour cream provides a creamy base, while the mustard and dill add depth of flavor to the sauce.

Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through, with the center remaining moist and flaky. For a quicker cook time, reduce the heat slightly and cover the skillet with a lid.

Top with Creamy Dill Sauce: Once the salmon fillets are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on serving plates. Spoon the creamy dill sauce generously over the top of the salmon. The tangy and creamy sauce perfectly complements the flaky salmon.

Serve: Serve the creamy dill salmon with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a simple side salad. Garnish with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Dill Salmon:

For an extra creamy texture, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

If you prefer a more intense dill flavor, feel free to add more fresh dill to the sauce.

You can also add a sprinkle of capers or finely chopped shallots to the sauce for an added layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Both grilled salmon with garlic herb marinade and creamy dill salmon are fantastic options that cater to different tastes and time constraints. The garlic herb marinade for grilling infuses the salmon with bold, fresh flavors and a smoky grilled taste, while the creamy dill salmon is a decadent, rich dish that can be prepared in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick weeknight dinner, these two recipes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger.