Best Grilled Lemons Recipes

GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH GARLIC, OLIVE OIL, FRESH THYME, GRILLED LEMONS

Steps:

• Whisk together oil, garlic and thyme in a shallow large baking dish. Add the chops and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for 1 to 1 1/2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Remove the chops from the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling. Heat grill to high and grill the chops for 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium doneness. Remove and rest for 2 minutes. Slice into individual chops.
• Brush the cut side of the lemons with the oil and grill, cut side down on high for 1 minute. Turn lemons 45 degrees to make hatch marks and remove.
• Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the platter of chops. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh sprigs of oregano and dill. Serve the remaining grilled lemons on the platter with the chops.

GRILLED SALMON WITH MEYER LEMONS AND CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• To prepare the salmon:
• To prepare the salmon: Brush the skin side of the salmon fillets with some olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place the fillets skin side up in the dish. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, prepare the creamy cucumber salad: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cucumber until completely coated. Taste and adjust the lemon juice or salt. Cover and refrigerate until needed, up to 2 hours.
• Prepare a medium-hot grill. Lightly oil the grill grate.
• Place the fillets skin side down on the grill and brush them with the marinade. Cover the grill and cook without flipping until the salmon flakes, 10 to 12 minutes. Brush the lemon slices on both sides with oil and grill until marks appear, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
• Arrange the fish on individual plates or a serving platter. Place 1 or 2 grilled lemon slices on top of each fillet and dust with chives. Serve with the cucumber salad.
• Store leftover salmon and cucumber salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

GRILLED HAWAIIAN OPAH WITH CANDIED LEMONS AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the grill or a grill pan over high heat.
• Combine the honey, saffron, pepper, kosher salt, lemons and 2 to 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding more water or honey as needed, until the consistency thickens and the lemon slices start to break down, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, sprinkle the opah on both sides with sea salt and pepper and lightly coat with the olive oil. Make sure the grill surface is clean, and then grill the fish on one side on the hottest part of the grill about 5 minutes, rotating halfway through to create diamond grill marks after about 3 minutes. Flip the fish using a fish spatula and repeat on the opposite side, cooking until fish is medium-rare, almost medium, another 4 to 5 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish just before removing it from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Brush the tops of the fish with a hint of olive oil and then cover with the candied lemons, followed by the basil, dandelion greens, parsley and chives.

SEA SCALLOPS WITH CRACKED WHEAT SALAD, ROASTED RED PEPPER TAHINI VINAIGRETTE AND GRILLED LEMONS

Steps:

• Preheat a charcoal grill to high heat using the direct heat method.
• Thread 2 skewers through 3 scallops sideways so the scallops lie flat. Make 4 sets. Brush the scallops with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the scallops on both sides until slightly charred and just cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Serve with Cracked Wheat Salad, Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Vinaigrette and grilled lemons.
• Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil, add the cracked wheat, cover and cook until the wheat is tender and the water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Transfer the cracked wheat to a bowl. Add the dill, parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
• Steep the saffron in hot water for 5 minutes to bloom. Transfer the saffron to a blender and add the tahini, vinegar, 1 tablespoon harissa, honey, garlic, red peppers, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste, and add more harissa if desired.
• With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oils and blend until emulsified. The vinaigrette can be made up to 4 hours in advance, covered and kept refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER WITH GRILLED LEMONS AND GARLIC AIOLI

Steps:

• Clean gills from mushrooms. Combine goat cheese, thyme, 1 teaspoon lemon juice mix well. Stuff seasoned goat cheese into mushroom cavity. Grill stuffed mushrooms 10 to 15 minutes, add lemons and bread to the grill. Combine garlic, mayonnaise and remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice for aioli. Spread aioli generously onto bun. Add arugula, grilled mushroom and grilled lemons to burger.

GRILLED SHRIMP AND BACON WITH LEMONS

Steps:

• Toss shrimp in a large nonreactive baking dish with zest and juice of 1 lemon, the Old Bay seasoning, and oil. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Heat grill to medium-high. Slice remaining lemon into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Grill lemon slices, shrimp, and bacon directly on grates until lemon slices are caramelized (2 to 3 minutes per side), shrimp are cooked through (about 3 minutes per side), and bacon is lightly charred and crisp (4 to 5 minutes per side). Transfer lemons and shrimp to a bowl, and the bacon to a plate. Let cool slightly.
• Tear bacon into 2-inch pieces, and add to bowl with lemons and shrimp. Toss until well combined.

CHARCOAL GRILLED SHRIMP AND CALAMARI WITH GRILLED LEMONS AND SMOKED TOMATO-BLACK OLIVE RELISH

Steps:

• For the relish: Soak the hickory chips in water for at least 1 hour.
• Put a handful of hot coals in the bottom of a smoker. Scatter the hickory chips over the top. Put a try of ice on the bottom grate. Put the cooking grate above the ice tray. Once the temperature of the smoker reaches 100 degrees F, brush the tomatoes with canola oil, season with salt and pepper and put them on the top grate. Close the smoker and smoke the tomatoes for 10 to 20 minutes, depending how smoky you want them.
• Coarsely chop the tomatoes, place in a bowl and add the olive oil, olives, dill, lemon juice, parsley, vinegar, honey, onions and season with salt and pepper. Let the relish sit at room temperature until ready to use.
• For the seafood: Prepare a charcoal grill at least 30 minutes before cooking by lighting a chimney starter filled with hard wood and let burn until covered with gray ash.
• Toss the shrimp and calamari with the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic and let marinate for 15 minutes. Brush the cut side of each lemon half with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Skewer the shrimp and kalamari tentacles onto different skewers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side and the calamari tentacles for about 30 seconds per side. Put the calamari bodies directly on the grill and cook for about 15 seconds per side. Grill the lemons, cut-side down, until slightly charred. Remove to a platter.
• Arrange the skewers and bodies on a large platter. Top with the relish. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and squeeze a grilled lemon half over all. Garnish the platter with the remaining grilled lemons.

GRILLED PORGY WITH LEMONS AND SCALLIONS

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal grill until coals are ashed over and hot, or heat a charcoal grill to high. Or heat a broiler (see Tips).
• Cut 3 lemons into ½-inch-thick slices and discard any pits. Pat fish dry inside and out and season inside with salt. Place the lemon slices inside the fish, then place the thyme and oregano on top of the lemon. If the fish don't close around the stuffing, tie fish closed in two places with kitchen twine. Brush fish on both sides with 4 tablespoons olive oil.
• Toss scallions with a pinch of salt and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cut the 2 remaining lemons in half, removing any seeds.
• Scrub the grill grate clean, then rub with an oiled kitchen towel or wad of paper towels. If your grill can fit everything, place everything on at once. Otherwise, start with the scallions and lemons, cut sides down. Season one side of each fish with salt and place salt side down on the grates next to the scallions and lemons. Grill (covered if using a gas grill), turning once, until the lemons and scallions are softened and lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes for the scallions and 5 minutes for the lemons. Grill the fish until the skin releases naturally from the grate, about 6 minutes, then salt the other side, cover and grill until cooked through, about 6 minutes longer. Test for doneness by slipping a paring knife into the center of the fish; it should feel hot when carefully touched to your lower lip or the inside of your wrist.
• Spread scallions on a serving platter and set lemon halves around the sides. Transfer the fish to the platter, remove the string and serve.

GRILLED LEMONS, BABY ARTICHOKES, AND EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cook baby artichokes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender when bottom is pierced with sharp knife, about 8 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut artichokes in half through stem; pat dry. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.
• Prepare Barbecue ( medium heat). Brush cooked artichokes, Japanese eggplant, and cut side of lemons with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Grill lemons, cut side down, until charred, about 2 minutes. Transfer vegetables to platter. Garnish with grilled lemons for squeezing over.

GRILLED LEG OF LAMB WITH PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• Cut ten 1/2-inch-long, 1/2-inch-deep slits all over lamb. Insert a garlic clove half into each slit. Season lamb all over with pepper and 3 tablespoons salt.
• Combine oil, lemon juice, oregano, and minced garlic in a large, resealable plastic bag. Add lamb, and turn to coat. Seal bag, and place in a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight (or up to 2 days).
• Let lamb stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high. (If you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 3 to 4 seconds.)
• Grill lamb to desired doneness. (For medium-rare, grill until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 130 degrees, about 15 minutes per side.) Transfer to a cutting board, and let rest, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place lemon slices on grill. Cook over medium-high heat until caramelized and soft, about 10 minutes per side. Slice lamb. Garnish with oregano sprigs and lemon slices.

GRILLED LEMONS AND EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Turn grill on to medium high. (We use our Cuisinart Griddler, indoors) Lightly oil the grates/grill surface. Meanwhile, slice the onion very thinly and let soak in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drain the onions and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch rounds.
• 2. In a bowl, toss the eggplant, za'atar and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, coating well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the eggplant until tender and slightly charred, turning frequently. This will take 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool a bit.
• 3. Meanwhile, slice the lemon very thinly and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After eggplant is done cooking, grill the lemon slices until charred in a few spots, turning frequently. Takes about 2 mintues, so watch carefully. Transfer to the cutting board and let cool a bit. Cut the slices in half.
• 4. Place the onions and the lemons in a medium bowl. Gently stir in the mint, sherry vinegar and the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 5. In a small bowl, combine the garlic and labneh. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 6. To serve, spread the labneh onto a serving platter and arrange the eggplant over it. Top with the onion/mint mixture.

GRILLED WHOLE SNAPPER WITH ESCAROLE AND PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together sugar and 1/4 cup coarse salt. Cut 2 lemons in half crosswise, remove any visible seeds, and transfer to a small container. Add sugar and salt mixture and one sprig of thyme. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 1 week.
• Coarsely chop remaining lemon and 6 cloves of garlic and place in a medium bowl; toss to combine. Divide lemon and garlic mixture evenly and add to the cavity of each fish, along with 1 sprig of thyme; set aside.
• Finely chop remaining 2 cloves garlic and thyme leaves. Add to a small bowl with olive oil; whisk to combine.
• Preheat a grill pan over high heat. Brush fish with olive oil mixture and season with salt and pepper. Place fish on grill and cook, turning once, until the thick, fleshy part is firm to the touch, about 8 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with olive oil mixture.
• Remove lemons from sugar and salt mixture. Brush off any excess sugar and salt and place on grill, flesh side down. Cook until lemons are charred. Remove fish and lemons from grill. Serve immediately with escarole and a sprinkling of sea salt.

GRILLED BROCCOLI & MUSHROOMS WITH LEMONS

Steps:

• 1. Combine all ingredients in a large ziplock bag (or bowl with secure lid)
• 2. Gently toss, turning bag to coat all pieces well
• 3. Place directly on grill, or you can use a veggie grilling pan with holes so no pieces fall through.
• 4. Grill until just cooked to crisp-tender, but not charred. About 20-30 minutes when set off center of heat.
• 5. Place in serving bowl and squeeze 2-4 of the lemon slices over the broccoli & mushrooms, then drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Toss & serve.

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH GARLIC HERB DRESSING AND GRILLED LEMONS (TYLER'S ULTIMATE)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut piece of aluminum foil about 12 inches long. Put garlic on 1/2 foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle in live oil, and add 2 sprigs thyme. Fold foil into pouch, 2 tsp water. Fold foil and fold in the edges 2 or 3 times to seal. Roast 30 minutes, or longer, until the garlic is soft. Open package to let cool; squeeze out cloves into food processor. Add 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme leaves and puree to make a thick vinaigrette. Preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Put pieces in bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat with seasonings. Refrigerate. Put radicchio in another bowl, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper,toss; set aside. Grease grill grates. Place radicchio on grill. Cook about 2 minutes per side until it has a nice char; remove from grill, place into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to steam and finish cooking. Put chicken on grill, skin side down, and grill. Grill chicken for about 20 minutes, turning once, then baste with half of the vinaigrette and keep cooking until an instant-read thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160 degrees F and the chicken is nice and caramelized all over, 15 to 20 more minutes. During the last few minutes, throw the lemon halves on the grill, cut sides down, and cook until just marked and smoky. To serve, separate the radicchio into individual leaves in a big bowl. Add the chicken and the rest of the dressing and toss well. Serve with grilled lemon halves, squeeze the lemon over the chicken, and top with reserved dressing.

GRILLED SALMON WITH AVOCADO TZATZIKI AND GRILLED LEMONS

Steps:

• Heat grill to high. If using cedar planks for fish, make sure to soak the planks for at least an hour before cooking. Combine the oil with the oregano in a blender and blend until smooth. Eason with salt and pepper to taste. Prepare the tzatziki sauce. Put the avocados, garlic, jalapeno, yogurt, lemon zest and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, stir in the cucumber and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Brush the fillets with the oregano oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the salmon for about 3 minutes per side, or if cooking on plank grill until fish is done. While fish is grilling, brush the cut sides of the lemon with the oregano oil. Grill cut side down until golden. Serve the salmon with a dollop of avocado tzatziki and squeeze the grilled lemons over the top.

GRILLED EGGPLANT AND LEMONS WITH GARLIC LABNEH

Steps:

• Preparation Prepare a grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate. Soak onion in ice water 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Drain, pat dry with paper towels, and transfer to a medium bowl. Meanwhile, toss eggplant, za’atar, and 3 Tbsp. olive oil in another medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Grill eggplant, turning often, until tender and charred in spots, 5–8 minutes; transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Halve any large rounds; set aside. Toss lemon with 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Grill lemon, turning often, until lightly charred in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and let cool slightly. Cut lemon slices in half and add to bowl with onion. Stir in mint, Sherry, and remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Mix garlic and labneh in another small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spoon labneh mixture onto a platter and arrange eggplant and onion mixture over. Recipe by Dawn Perry

GRILLED LEMONS

Steps:

• Halve lemons through middle (not lengthwise) and brush with olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Grill, cut-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden; turn over and continue to grill for additional 2-3 minutes.

GRILLED SALMON WITH MEYER LEMONS AND CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Brush skin side of fillets with oil. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup oil, 1 Tbsp lemon zest, juice of 2 lemons, 1 Tbsp dill and 1 Tbsp salt. Pour mixture into a shallow dish; add fillets skin side up. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp salt and pepper. Fold in cucumbers until coated. Taste and adjust juice and salt. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours. Preheat grill to medium-high. Lightly oil grill grate. Place fillets skin side down on grill; brush with marinade. Cover and cook without flipping 10-12 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Thinly slice 1-2 lemons; brush both sides with oil. Grill 1-2 minutes per side or until grill marks appear. Arrange fish on a serving platter or 4 individual plates. Top each fillet with 1-2 grilled lemon slices; sprinkle evenly with chives. Serve with cucumber salad.