Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter
Succulent salmon fillets grilled over charcoal and finished with a fragrant garlic dill butter for a rich, smoky flavor. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 22 minutes pairs 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets, softened unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets
- 6 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on). Brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 3: Prepare charcoal grill for direct medium-high heat (about 425°F). Place salmon skin-side down on the grill grate.
- Step 4: Grill salmon for 5-6 minutes without moving, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from grill and immediately dollop 1.5 tbsp garlic dill butter on each fillet, allowing it to melt over the hot fish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Dill Butter?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
