Grilled Salmon with Garlic-Butter Sauce for Juneteenth

When you think of summer gatherings, the tantalizing aroma of grilled salmon with garlic-butter sauce instantly brings a smile to your face. Picture this: juicy, flaky salmon grilled to perfection, glistening with a luscious garlic-butter sauce that makes every bite taste like a mini celebration. Your taste buds are practically dancing in anticipation as you imagine sinking your teeth into this delightful dish at your next Juneteenth barbecue.

This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories that linger long after the meal is over. I remember one sunny afternoon when my family gathered to celebrate Juneteenth. The sizzle of the grill and laughter filled the air as we enjoyed this grilled salmon together, reminding us of our rich history while savoring every delicious bite.

I’ll never forget how my cousin’s eyes lit up when she had her first bite of this grilled salmon with garlic-butter sauce—it was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, firm fillets are best. Look for bright color and minimal fishy smell for quality.

• Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while providing richness.

• Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for maximum flavor—fresh garlic elevates any dish.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor during grilling.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic yet essential; use sea salt for enhanced flavor depth.

• Fresh Herbs (like parsley or dill): These add freshness and color; chop finely before using.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Make the Garlic-Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.

Season the Salmon: Pat dry your salmon fillets with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides for maximum flavor.

Grill the Salmon Fillets: Place seasoned fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes without moving them until they’re nicely charred.

Add Garlic-Butter Sauce: Flip the fillets carefully using a spatula. Brush half of your garlic-butter sauce over each fillet while grilling for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Finish and Serve!: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F), remove from grill and drizzle remaining sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving.

This simple yet flavorful recipe will surely impress everyone around your table, making it a perfect addition to celebrations like Juneteenth!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the salmon, then heat your grill to medium-high. Sear skin-side down first, cooking for about 6-8 minutes before flipping. Finish with garlic-butter sauce for that extra zing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the garlic for shallots or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, or try a touch of honey for sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F to maintain its flaky texture without drying it out.

Sometimes, while grilling salmon at family gatherings, I find myself reminiscing about my first attempt when I almost set my eyebrows on fire! Now, it’s a crowd favorite every time.

FAQ

What type of salmon is best for grilling?

Wild-caught salmon offers superior flavor; sockeye or king are excellent choices.

Can I use this recipe in an oven?

Absolutely! Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes instead of grilling.

How do I know when my salmon is done?

Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

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Grilled Salmon with Garlic-Butter Sauce

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Grilled Salmon with Garlic-Butter Sauce is the perfect dish for summer gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flaky, juicy salmon paired with a rich garlic-butter sauce. This easy recipe not only impresses with its vibrant presentation but also creates lasting memories at your celebrations. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive BBQ, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the essence of summer and the joy of delicious food with every bite.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease grates with olive oil.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
3. Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place seasoned fillets skin-side down on the grill; cook for 6-8 minutes without moving.
5. Carefully flip fillets using a spatula, brush half of the garlic-butter sauce over each fillet, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until cooked through (145°F internal temperature).
6. Remove from grill, drizzle remaining sauce on top, and garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 575mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 107mg