Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter: A Wood-Fired Masterpiece

Introduction

There is something primal yet undeniably sophisticated about grilling fresh seafood over an open wood fire. Norwegian salmon, renowned for its rich marbling and clean flavor derived from the icy cold waters of the fjords, is the perfect candidate for the Arteflame grill. Unlike traditional grates where delicate fish can flake and fall through, the solid steel plancha of the Arteflame allows you to achieve a restaurant-quality sear while keeping the fillet intact and moist. This method locks in the natural oils, creating a texture that is crispy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside.

In this recipe, we elevate the natural richness of the salmon with a homemade lemon dill butter. As the wood fire imparts a subtle smokiness to the fish, the bright acidity of the lemon and the aromatic freshness of the dill cut through the fat, creating a perfectly balanced bite. Whether you are hosting a summer dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this dish brings a touch of Nordic elegance to your backyard cooking experience.

Ingredients

The Salmon

• 4 Norwegian Salmon fillets (approx. 6-8 oz each), skin-on
• 2 tbsp Olive oil or Grape seed oil (for coating)
• 1 tbsp Coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper

The Lemon Dill Butter

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

1. Start a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using dry hardwoods.
2. Allow the fire to burn down for about 20-30 minutes until the center cooktop reaches searing temperature (above 400°F) and the outer edges are cooler.
3. Scrape the cooktop clean and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to season the steel.

Step 2: Prepare the Dill Butter

1. Place a small cast-iron sauce pot or heat-safe skillet on the outer, cooler edge of the grill ring.
2. Add the butter and allow it to melt slowly.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
4. Move the pot to a cooler zone to keep warm without burning the garlic while you cook the fish.

Step 3: Prep the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
2. Rub the fillets generously with olive oil on all sides.
3. Season the flesh side with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Step 4: The Sear

1. Add a little extra oil to the hot zone of the plancha.
2. Place the salmon fillets on the hot steel, skin-side down. Press down gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure the skin makes full contact and doesn't curl.
3. Let the salmon sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. You are looking for the skin to release naturally from the steel and become golden and crisp.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked about 60% of the way up the side, flip the fillets.
2. Cook on the flesh side for just 1-2 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness.
3. Remove the salmon from the grill and immediately brush generously with the warm lemon dill butter.
4. Garnish with a fresh sprig of dill and a lemon wedge before serving.

Tips

Grilling fish can be intimidating, but the Arteflame makes it forgiving. The most critical tip for Norwegian salmon is temperature management. Because this fish has a high fat content, it is best served medium-rare to medium (an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F). If you see white protein (albumin) bubbling out of the sides significantly, the fish is beginning to overcook. Watch the side of the fillet change color from translucent pink to opaque as it cooks; this is your best visual gauge.

Furthermore, patience is key when searing the skin. If you try to lift the fish and it sticks, it is not ready. The protein will naturally release from the seasoned steel once a proper crust has formed. Ensure your grill surface is well-oiled before placing the fish down, and always use room-temperature fish rather than cold fish straight from the fridge to ensure even cooking.

Variations

While the classic lemon dill combination is timeless, the versatility of Norwegian salmon allows for exciting flavor experiments on the grill. You can easily adapt the compound butter or the seasoning rub to match different cuisines or personal preferences. Here are a few ways to mix things up while keeping the technique the same:

• Maple Mustard Glaze: Swap the dill butter for a mixture of grainy mustard and maple syrup, brushed on during the final minute of grilling.
• Cajun Blackened: Omit the dill butter and coat the flesh side heavily in Cajun spices before searing for a spicy kick.
• Asian Fusion: Replace the lemon and dill with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and scallions in the butter mixture.
• Garlic Herb Bomb: Use rosemary, thyme, and parsley instead of dill for a more earth-toned, savory profile.
• Cedar Smoke Infusion: Place a small piece of wood directly on the plancha near the fish to waft extra smoke over the fillets as they cook.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pair your grilled Norwegian salmon with sides that complement its richness without overpowering it. The goal is to balance the fatty texture of the fish and the smoky notes from the Arteflame with crisp acids or earthy vegetables. Since you already have the grill hot, it makes sense to cook your sides alongside the main course.

• Grilled Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and lemon zest, grilled on the flat top until charred but tender.
• Smashed Fingerling Potatoes: Par-boiled, then smashed and crisped up on the plancha with duck fat or butter.
• Cucumber Salad: A cold, vinegar-based cucumber and red onion salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, buttery fish.
• Crisp White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio cuts through the oiliness of the salmon perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilling Norwegian salmon on an Arteflame is more than just preparing a meal; it is an exercise in mastering fire and flavor. The combination of the smoky atmosphere, the sizzling sound of the salmon skin hitting the hot steel, and the aromatic finish of the lemon dill butter creates a sensory experience that standard kitchen cooking simply cannot replicate. This recipe honors the quality of the ingredients by keeping things simple and letting the technique shine.

By following these steps, you guarantee a dish that is both elegant and deeply satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with our suggested variations, the result will be a centerpiece dish that celebrates the joy of outdoor cooking. Gather your friends, pour the wine, and enjoy the incredible flavors of the fjords right from your own backyard.