This Grilled Honey Butter Salmon is a tribute to the beloved Texas Roadhouse recipe which is rich, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. The blend of spices and the touch of honey butter make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making it an ideal dish for both casual dinners and weekend gatherings.
Best of all, this salmon comes together in just 20 minutes, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to take hours to prepare. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, over a bed of rice, or alongside a fresh garden salad, this versatile dish will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then brush them lightly with olive oil.
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Season each fillet with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
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In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, melted butter, and honey. Set aside.
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Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
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During the last minute of grilling, brush the salmon generously with the honey butter mixture.
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Remove from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Honey Butter Salmon: A Texas Roadhouse-Inspired Delight
When it comes to memorable restaurant experiences, Texas Roadhouse has carved out a special place in the hearts of food lovers, especially those who crave hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed meals. Among its standout dishes, the grilled salmon glazed with a honey butter blend has become a fan favorite and for good reason. It’s succulent, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors. If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This Grilled Honey Butter Salmon recipe is a faithful recreation of that beloved entrée, bringing together the richness of fresh salmon, the sweetness of honey, and the silky depth of butter with a smoky, grilled finish that captures the essence of the original.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or even special occasions when you want to serve something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. With a total cook time of about 20 minutes, this salmon recipe makes gourmet dining accessible to everyone even those with the busiest schedules. It’s also easy to adapt for different cooking methods: while the grill imparts a lovely char and smokiness, this dish works just as well in a cast iron pan or oven broiler if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in the balance of savory, sweet, and tangy components. The dry seasoning a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and parsley, adds depth and an earthy backbone, while the lemon juice provides a bright, acidic pop that cuts through the richness of the butter and the natural fattiness of the salmon. The honey-butter glaze, brushed on at the end of the grilling process, forms a beautiful, caramelized coating that locks in moisture and gives the fish a subtle sheen and glossy finish.
Texture is another key element. Properly grilled salmon should have a crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior. By starting the fillets skin-side down on a preheated grill, you ensure a golden crust without overcooking the fish. Salmon is also naturally rich in healthy fats particularly omega-3 fatty acids which makes it forgiving for beginner cooks and prevents it from drying out too quickly.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins available, packed with lean protein, essential fatty acids, and an impressive range of vitamins and minerals. Here are some health benefits you’re getting in every bite:
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Heart Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve arterial function.
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Brain Function: Regular consumption of omega-3s is linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline and improved mental clarity.
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Skin and Hair: Healthy fats and antioxidants found in salmon promote radiant skin and shiny, strong hair.
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High in Protein: With around 25 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving, salmon is excellent for muscle repair and overall satiety.
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Rich in B Vitamins: Especially B12, which is essential for energy production and red blood cell formation.
When paired with wholesome sides like roasted asparagus, quinoa, brown rice, or even a light green salad, this dish forms a well-rounded, wholesome meal that’s ideal for those following pescatarian, keto, or low-carb diets.
Versatile Pairings and Customizations
While this recipe sticks close to the Texas Roadhouse inspiration, it’s also a fantastic base for customization:
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Herbs: Swap dried parsley for fresh dill, thyme, or even rosemary for a slightly different aromatic profile.
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Glaze Variations: Mix in Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce for added complexity.
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Heat Lovers: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the glaze for a gentle kick.
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Citrus Twist: Substitute orange juice or zest for lemon to add a mellow citrus flavor.
You can also turn this into a complete meal by serving it with seasonal vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a vibrant citrus salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon
Cooking salmon can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with fish. Here are a few essential tips to help you nail it every time:
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Choose Fresh, High-Quality Fillets: Look for fillets that are bright pink-orange in color, with a mild smell. Fresh salmon should not have a fishy or sour aroma.
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Keep the Skin On: Not only does the skin help hold the fish together during cooking, but it also develops a nice crisp texture when grilled.
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Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook after it’s removed from heat. Pull it off the grill when it’s opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center.
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Let It Rest: Giving the salmon a minute or two to rest before serving helps redistribute the juices and makes for a more succulent bite.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: If unsure, the internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare and 135°F (57°C) for medium.
Entertaining with Grilled Salmon
Grilled Honey Butter Salmon isn’t just for your average dinner, it’s a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue or an elegant garden party, this dish adds a touch of class to any menu. Its aroma alone is enough to get guests asking what’s on the grill. For presentation, you can garnish with lemon wedges, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the top, and serve it on a wooden board or stone platter for a rustic, appealing look.
Pair with chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or even a dry rosé for a refreshing balance.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers and that’s a big “if”, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the fish and alter the texture. Leftovers are great for making salmon salad wraps, grain bowls, or even tacos!
Conclusion
This Grilled Honey Butter Salmon recipe is more than just a dish, it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings restaurant-quality dining into your kitchen with ease. Inspired by the beloved Texas Roadhouse favorite, this version captures everything you love about that signature salmon dish while giving you the flexibility to make it your own. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home chef looking for new dinner ideas, this salmon is a go-to that’s as impressive as it is approachable.
So fire up that grill, prep your glaze, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home, no reservations needed.