If you’re looking to liven up any summer evening or wow your guests with an effortless yet elegant meal, Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers are the ultimate showstopper. Each morsel bursts with lemony brightness and garlicky goodness, making for a backyard barbecue favorite—or a refreshing weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Citrus Flavor: Fresh lemon slices and juice infuse every bite of salmon with a zesty, sun-kissed aroma you’ll crave again and again.
- Quick & Simple Prep: Everything comes together with minimal chopping and only a handful of pantry staples—no complicated marinades or steps.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: These skewers look absolutely stunning once grilled, with the golden salmon contrasted by caramelized lemon rounds.
- Healthy & Satisfying: High-protein salmon is naturally rich and flavor-packed, so you feel good indulging in this dish any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers so inviting is their short, approachable ingredient list. Each element is chosen to let the vibrant flavors of salmon, lemon, and garlic shine, and all are easy to pick up at any grocery store.
- Boneless, skinless salmon (1½ to 2 lbs): Opt for fresh, firm fillets for the best texture; cut into even, 1-inch chunks for even grilling.
- Lemons (2+ for slices, plus ½ for juice): You’ll be slicing some thinly for threading and squeezing others for tart, fragrant brightness.
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds pungency and depth—use freshly minced for the best kick.
- Olive oil (⅓ cup): Coats the salmon and ensures juicy, tender bites; use extra virgin for extra flavor.
- Salt (2 tsp): Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp, it brings out the salmon’s natural sweetness.
- Lemon pepper (1½ tsp): A zesty seasoning blend that wakes up every bite; adjust to your own lemony preferences.
- Wooden skewers (soaked): Soak in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Variations
This recipe is wide open to creativity—don’t be afraid to tweak it for special occasions, dietary needs, or just to use what’s in your fridge. Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers adapt beautifully to a variety of flavor profiles.
- Add Veggies: Thread in fresh cherry tomatoes, chunks of zucchini, or sliced red onion between the salmon and lemon for color and extra nutrition.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try this marinade with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu if you want a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
- Herb Twist: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill, parsley, or rosemary onto your skewers before grilling for even more aromatic punch.
- Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a little smoked paprika for those who love fiery heat against the citrusy backdrop.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon and Lemons
Start by combining the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and lemon pepper in a large bowl—you can almost smell the freshness already. Gently toss in your cubed salmon and thinly sliced lemons. The salmon soaks up all the citrusy, garlicky notes, and even the lemon slices mellow out, getting ready to caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Fold each lemon slice in half, then thread it onto a soaked wooden skewer followed by a piece of marinated salmon. Repeat this pattern, alternating salmon and folded lemon slices, until your skewers are brimming with color. This step ensures every single bite has a blast of both salmon and grilled lemon tang.
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled skewers directly on the grates, turning gently and occasionally with tongs so all sides get gorgeous grill marks. The salmon should be cooked through, opaque, and just a touch charred around the edges—this is where the magic really happens!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
As soon as the Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers are done, transfer them to a platter and serve immediately. Every bite is zesty, flaky, and so incredibly fresh—you’ll want seconds for sure!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers
- Salmon Selection Matters: Choose center-cut salmon fillets for uniform chunks that grill evenly and won’t fall apart on the skewer.
- Skewer Soaking Secret: Don’t skip soaking your wooden skewers! Fifteen minutes in water keeps them from burning and helps prevent your salmon from sticking.
- Crispy Lemon Rounds: Place some lemon slices at the very ends of the skewers—these caramelize first and are delicious straight off the grill.
- Watch the Grill Time: Salmon cooks fast, so keep a close eye and pull the skewers once just opaque—overcooked salmon dries out quickly, so trust your instincts!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers
Garnishes
Garnish your skewers with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a final squeeze of lemon just before serving. If you love extra zest, a little grated lemon peel over the top tastes as bright as it looks!
Side Dishes
Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers play so nicely with a chilled herby couscous salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, or garlicky grilled asparagus. Anything light and fresh with a bit of crunch is a stellar partner for the citrusy, flaky salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the skewers on a platter over a bed of arugula and lemon wedges for a festive centerpiece, or serve them individually over little mounds of seasoned rice for an elegant dinner-party main. For a fun twist, slice the salmon off the skewers and use it in tacos or wraps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remove from the skewers for easier packing and minimal fuss.
Freezing
While freshly grilled salmon is best, leftover pieces can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—just note that the texture of thawed salmon can be a little softer.
Reheating
Gently reheat salmon skewers in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 325°F (165°C) oven until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the salmon moist and tender—just a few minutes will do it.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers?
Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon completely in the fridge, then pat it dry before marinating and threading onto skewers—this helps ensure the best flavor and texture on the grill.
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Do I need to peel the salmon before grilling?
No need! Boneless, skinless fillets are perfect for skewers. If you have skin-on fillets, simply remove the skin with a sharp knife for best results, since skin can get tough on direct heat.
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Can these skewers be cooked indoors?
Definitely. Use a grill pan or broil them on a foil-lined baking sheet, turning as they brown—keep a close eye, as the cooking time is similar to an outdoor grill.
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How long should I marinate the salmon before grilling?
You only need about 10-15 minutes for the flavors to soak in—just long enough to prep the grill and get your skewers ready. A quick marinade works beautifully for this recipe!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers a try—they truly are a celebration of summer flavors, easy enough for any night but impressive enough for company. Gather your friends or family, fire up the grill, and let this bright, zesty dish steal the spotlight at your next meal!
Print
Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 skewers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Lemon Salmon Skewers are a delightful and flavorful dish perfect for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the tender salmon, creating a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Salmon Skewers:
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs boneless/skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Lemon Marinade:
- 2+ lemons, sliced
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
Additional:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for about 15 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and lemon pepper. Add lemon slices and salmon, toss to coat.
- Skewer: Thread lemon slices folded in half with salmon onto skewers.
- Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Yield: about 5-6 skewers
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
