Grilled Salmon with Herb and Meyer Lemon Compound Butter

This is a fabulously rich salmon with the herb and lemon compound butter adding even more richness and goodness.  I love my grilled salmon on Triscuit crackers.  With the leftover salmon I will make a spread to top onto toast, bagels or crackers. 


Salmon Spread 

1 stick butter, room temperature
2 Meyer lemons, zested
1/2 bunch dill, finely chopped
1/2 bunch thyme, picked and finely chopped (lemon thyme is even better)
1 small clove garlic, smashed and finely chopped
Kosher salt
pepper
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
Extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, combine the butter, zest, herbs and garlic. Mix until everything is well mixed. Season, to taste, with salt. If using right away, keep the butter at room temperature. If making ahead, reserve in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.

Preheat grill to medium.

Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature. Coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush and oil the grill. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the clean, preheated grill. After 2 to 3 minutes, rotate the salmon 90 degrees to create cross-hatch grill marks on the salmon skin. Cook the salmon for another 3 to 4 minutes. As the salmon cooks it will turn from translucent orange to opaque pink.

Turn the salmon over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. If the salmon starts to burn, or the flames flare up move the fish to a cooler part of the grill.* Remove from the grill and top with the room temperature compound butter. The butter should act as a sauce and melt over and coat the grilled salmon.

*Tip: It is a general rule to cook fish for 8 minutes per inch of thickness.

**This recipe is courtesy of The Food Network's Anne Burrell.