Description
This Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked in a zesty lemon and fresh dill butter sauce. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, delivering bright citrus notes and herbaceous freshness in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon
Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃) to ensure a hot environment for perfectly baked salmon.
- Prepare Fillets: If your salmon is not already portioned, slice it into four equal 4-ounce fillets, keeping the skin intact for moisture and flavor.
- Arrange Salmon: Lightly spray a large 13 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place each salmon fillet skin-side down in the dish, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
- Add Lemon Slices: Place one lemon slice on top of each salmon fillet, which will infuse the fish with a fresh citrus flavor as it bakes.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. This gentle steaming will cook the fish through and keep it moist.
- Crisp Edges: Remove the aluminum foil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow the edges of the salmon to crisp up slightly for added texture.
- Serve: Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with additional fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, for a bright and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Salmon can be substituted with other fatty fish such as trout or arctic char.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce or omit the added salt and use unsalted butter.
- Ensure not to overcook salmon to maintain a tender and flaky texture.
- Fresh dill is preferred, but dried dill can be substituted at one-third the amount.
- Use lemon juice or zest to enhance citrus flavor further if you prefer.
