Grilled Honey Lime Salmon Recipe
Introduction
This grilled honey lime salmon recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a deliciously simple dinner. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue that impresses. The marinade keeps the salmon moist while adding a beautiful glaze and charm.

Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest from half a lime
- 2 crushed large cloves garlic
- Oil for grilling
- Lime slices and chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and crushed garlic. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of this sauce for brushing after cooking.
- Step 2: Marinate the salmon in the remaining sauce for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Step 3: For grill marks, brush the grill grates with oil. Place salmon diagonally on the grill with the lid closed. Grill for 2-4 minutes until grill marks appear.
- Step 4: Carefully turn the salmon so the skin side is down. Close the lid and cook for another 2-5 minutes until the salmon is just opaque throughout.
- Step 5: Alternatively, for foil cooking, place salmon on heavy-duty foil sheets. Add lime slices and drizzle some marinade over each fillet. Wrap tightly into packets.
- Step 6: Place foil packets on the grill, cooking for 10-13 minutes and flipping halfway through. Remove from the grill.
- Step 7: To serve, brush the cooked salmon with the reserved sauce. Garnish with lime slices and chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use skin-on salmon fillets to help keep the fish moist and make flipping easier.
- Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be prepared under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove.
- To keep salmon from sticking, ensure your grill is well oiled and preheated before placing the fish down.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat to preserve moisture. Salmon can also be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh limes?
Fresh lime juice is best for bright flavor, but you can substitute bottled lime juice if needed. Adjust quantity to taste as bottled juice may be more concentrated or less fresh.
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Grilled Honey Lime Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Honey Lime Salmon recipe features tender, flavorful salmon fillets marinated in a zesty blend of honey, lime juice, garlic, and soy sauce. Perfectly grilled to achieve beautiful grill marks or cooked in foil packets for a moist and delicate finish, this dish is garnished with fresh lime slices and chopped cilantro for a refreshing touch. Ideal for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal that showcases the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest from half a lime
- 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
- Oil for grilling
Garnish
- Lime slices
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Generously season the 4 salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This prepares the fish for marinating and enhances its natural flavor.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, honey, low sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and crushed garlic cloves until well combined. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of this sauce to brush on the salmon after cooking.
- Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Ensure all fillets are coated evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If you prefer distinct grill marks, lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the salmon with grill marks: Position the salmon fillets diagonally on the hot grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 2-4 minutes depending on thickness, or until grill marks appear. Carefully turn the fillets over using tongs and a wide spatula so the skin side is down. Close the lid and continue grilling for another 2-5 minutes until the salmon is just barely opaque throughout.
- Alternative grilling in foil packs: For a gentler cooking method without grill marks, place each salmon fillet on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to fold over. Add lime slices on top and drizzle with some marinade. Fold the foil tightly to seal the packets. Place the foil packets on the hot grill and cook for 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through.
- Final touch and serve: Once grilled, brush the tops of the salmon fillets with the reserved marinade sauce. Serve immediately garnished with fresh lime slices and chopped cilantro to enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the acid in lime juice from ‘cooking’ the fish.
- Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets for best results.
- Use a wide spatula when turning the salmon to prevent breaking the fillets.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Foil packets help keep the salmon moist and are great for delicate fillets or when grill marks are not desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grilled salmon, Honey lime salmon, Healthy salmon recipe, Easy grilled fish, Summer seafood dish

