Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish packed with rich flavors from the salmon, butter, garlic, and a hint of honey. Whether grilled or cooked on a stove, these skewers are a perfect dish for summer barbecues or a quick dinner, bursting with freshness and a delightful glaze.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) salmon fillet (preferably with even thickness)
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¼ cup butter
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⅓ cup honey (for non-keto diets)
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4 large cloves garlic, crushed
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of about ½ a lemon)
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Chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for topping)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Prepare the Salmon:
Preheat your grill or griddle if cooking on the stove. Remove the skin from the salmon fillet with a sharp knife and cut the salmon into 1-inch pieces. -
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add honey, garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until the honey has completely melted into the butter and the mixture is well combined. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, then set aside. -
Marinate the Salmon:
Marinate the salmon cubes in the lemon garlic butter sauce for 10 to 20 minutes. Drain the salmon cubes and thread them onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, making sure to leave some space between each piece. -
Grill the Skewers:
Grill the salmon skewers for 5-10 minutes, turning on each side to ensure even cooking. While grilling, you can boil the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce to reduce it slightly and use it to brush the salmon as it cooks. -
Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):
(These values are estimates based on common ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: ~300-350 kcal
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~15g (without honey, this will be lower)
Protein: ~25g
Cholesterol: ~60mg
Sodium: ~350mg
Vitamin C: ~15mg
Iron: ~1mg
Enjoy these flavorful and juicy lemon garlic butter salmon skewers! Perfect for a light dinner or a special occasion.
The Appeal of Salmon: A Nutritious and Flavorful Choice
Salmon is one of the most popular and versatile types of fish, thanks to its rich, oily texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s also packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin D and selenium. When cooked properly, salmon has a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it a favorite among seafood lovers.
For this recipe, it’s best to use fresh salmon fillets, preferably with even thickness. This ensures the pieces cook uniformly, making the skewers perfectly tender and juicy. The natural richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the buttery lemon-garlic sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in each bite.
The Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
The lemon garlic butter sauce is the true star of this dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that elevates the salmon to a new level. Made with just a few ingredients—butter, garlic, honey, and lemon juice—the sauce is a delightful mix of rich, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The butter provides a smooth, creamy base, while the garlic adds an aromatic, savory punch.
Honey, typically used for sweetness, balances the acidity of the lemon juice, creating a glaze that coats the salmon perfectly. The lemon juice not only imparts a bright, refreshing taste but also helps tenderize the salmon, making it even juicier. The addition of fresh parsley in the sauce adds a hint of freshness and color, making the sauce even more vibrant.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers
Making Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers is a straightforward and quick process, with each step ensuring the salmon is flavorful and perfectly cooked. Here’s how to prepare the dish:
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Prepare the Salmon: Start by removing the skin from the salmon fillet using a sharp knife. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. This will make it easier to thread the pieces onto the skewers and ensure even cooking.
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Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the honey, crushed garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until the honey has fully dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and mix to combine. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
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Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and pour about half of the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for 10 to 20 minutes, which will infuse it with flavor and help keep it tender during cooking.
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Thread the Salmon onto Skewers: If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. Thread the marinated salmon pieces onto the skewers, ensuring there is some space between each piece to allow even cooking.
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Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking, then place the salmon skewers on the grill. Grill the salmon for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done.
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Brush with Sauce: While grilling, you can bring the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce to a boil on the stove to reduce slightly and thicken. Use this sauce to brush over the salmon skewers as they cook, adding more flavor and a beautiful glaze.
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Serve: Once the skewers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the salmon and garnish with additional chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers are a delicious and light meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete the dish:
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Grilled Vegetables: Pair the salmon skewers with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables complement the smoky flavors of the grilled salmon and add a fresh, savory contrast to the richness of the butter sauce.
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Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous to absorb the lemon garlic butter sauce. A light pilaf with herbs and lemon would be a perfect accompaniment.
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Salads: A fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrusy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing, light contrast to the rich salmon. Try adding a tangy lemon dressing to tie the flavors together.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn pairs wonderfully with the smoky salmon, offering a sweet crunch that complements the tangy, savory flavors of the dish.
For beverages, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with a splash of lemon will complement the salmon’s flavors and refresh your palate.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dish
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Skewers are an easy-to-make yet indulgent dish that is perfect for grilling season or any occasion where you want to enjoy a light, flavorful seafood meal. The tender salmon, combined with the rich honey garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon zest, offers a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that are sure to impress. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or a simple salad, this dish is a versatile and satisfying choice for any dinner.