Description
This Lemon Dill Salmon recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender salmon fillets baked with a buttery garlic dill sauce and fresh lemon slices. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, the salmon is baked to juicy perfection in under 20 minutes, delivering bright citrus and herbal notes that complement the rich fish beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 1 pound salmon, cut into four 4-ounce fillets with skin intact
Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 4 lemon slices
- Non-stick cooking spray, for the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the salmon fillets evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Salmon: If not already portioned, cut the salmon into four equal 4-ounce fillets, keeping the skin on to help hold the fillets together and add flavor during baking.
- Arrange Fillets: Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then place the salmon fillets inside skin-side down with some space between them for even cooking.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, then top each with one lemon slice.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, keeping the salmon moist and tender.
- Crisp the Edges: Remove the foil in the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow the edges of the salmon to crisp up slightly, adding a delightful texture contrast.
- Serve: Plate the salmon immediately and garnish with extra fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Using skin-on fillets helps hold the fish together and adds flavor during baking.
- You can use unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste for a lower sodium version.
- Make sure not to overcook salmon to keep it moist—watch the baking time closely.
- Fresh dill really enhances the flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (reduce to 1 teaspoon).
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
