. Enjoy grilling! Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 lemons - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix until smooth. This marinade adds great flavor to the salmon. Letting the salmon sit in the marinade is key. I suggest at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This will deepen the flavor. Now it's time to grill. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important. It helps cook the salmon evenly. Next, oil the grill grates. Use a paper towel dipped in oil to wipe the grates. This helps prevent sticking. After preheating, remove the salmon from the marinade. Let the excess drip off. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks. Presentation is key for serving. After grilling, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. For sides, try a fresh salad or grilled veggies. Pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling water. These choices enhance the meal experience. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. How to avoid overcooking To keep your salmon moist, watch the cooking time closely. Grill each side for about 4-6 minutes. You want the fish to flake easily with a fork but not dry out. If it's hard to tell, use a food thermometer. Salmon is done at 145°F. Tips for achieving perfect grill marks Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After you oil the grates, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Do not move them for the first few minutes. This helps form those nice grill marks. You can rotate the fillets halfway through cooking for even marks. Suggestions for additional herbs and spices While the lemon and herbs shine in this recipe, you can mix it up. Try adding dill for a fresh twist. Basil adds a sweet note. If you love heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick. Using citrus variations (lime, orange) Lemon is great, but don’t stop there! Lime adds a zesty touch. Orange brings a sweet citrus flavor. You can swap lemon juice for lime juice in the marinade. Or, add orange zest along with the lemon zest. These small changes can make your dish even tastier. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon section. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your lemon herb grilled salmon with different marinades. Here are two tasty ideas: - Honey and soy sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. This mix gives a sweet and savory taste. It pairs well with salmon's rich flavor. - Spicy chili and lime: Combine 2 tablespoons of lime juice with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. This mix adds a kick. It’s perfect for those who love heat. You can cook your salmon in different ways. Each method gives a unique taste and texture. - Baking versus grilling: Baking is easier for beginners. It cooks evenly and keeps the fish moist. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and crispy skin. If you love grill marks, choose grilling. - Using a stovetop grill pan: A stovetop grill pan is great for indoor cooking. It gives you grill marks without needing an outdoor grill. Preheat the pan and oil it lightly before adding the salmon. Cook as you would on a regular grill. Explore these variations to find your favorite way to enjoy lemon herb grilled salmon. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store leftover Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon, place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the salmon fresh and prevents it from drying out. The shelf life of grilled salmon in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you want to save some salmon for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the salmon cool completely. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also use a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Grilled salmon can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use the microwave's defrost setting if you're in a hurry. Just be careful not to cook it while thawing. Enjoy your meal later with the same delicious flavor! I suggest marinating salmon for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in well. For a richer taste, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to go beyond this time. The fish can become too salty or mushy if left too long. Grilling salmon works best at medium-high heat. Aim for about 375°F to 400°F. This temperature helps the fish cook evenly and develop nice grill marks. If your grill has a lid, keep it closed while cooking. This keeps the heat consistent and helps cook the salmon through. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can run it under cold water. Once thawed, pat the salmon dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. Grilling salmon is simple and rewarding. You learned about key ingredients and marinade tips. Following clear instructions helps achieve that perfect grill. Remember to store leftovers right to extend freshness. Don’t shy away from variations or trying new flavors. Each attempt can bring unique tastes that excite your meal. Enjoy your grilling journey and make every bite count!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c5f8fd46-7f92-4a38-bae4-899c7b12b204.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings