Get ready to fall in love with the most tender, flaky, and flavor-packed Lemon Dill Baked Salmon you’ve ever made. This recipe is your new secret weapon for busy weeknights, delivering an elegant and incredibly satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Forget dry, bland fish; we’re talking a vibrant, buttery, and zesty salmon that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of healthy dinner that feels like a treat!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting your cooking journey, this baked salmon recipe is practically foolproof. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night. Let’s dive in and make dinner delicious.
Why This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another fish recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. It perfectly balances simplicity with sophisticated flavor, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in less than 30 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for hectic evenings.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. This recipe keeps it light, healthy, and full of goodness.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few fresh, simple ingredients to create a show-stopping main course.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: The classic combination of lemon, dill, and garlic is a universal favorite that pairs well with almost any side dish.
The Perfect Ingredients for Lemon Dill Salmon
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this amazing Lemon Dill Baked Salmon to life.
For the Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Look for 4 center-cut salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, with the skin on or off. Fresh, high-quality salmon will yield the best results.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the fish and enhance all the other flavors.
For the Lemon Dill Butter
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the rich base of our sauce, keeping the salmon moist and succulent.
- Fresh Dill: Finely chopped fresh dill is essential for that bright, slightly tangy flavor. While you can use dried, fresh is highly recommended.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Lemon: You’ll need both the zest and juice of one lemon to provide that signature zesty kick. Slice another lemon for topping the fillets before baking.
How to Make Lemon Dill Baked Salmon (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a flawless, flavorful salmon dinner. This method ensures your fish is perfectly cooked—moist on the inside with a beautifully crusted top.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel; this is key to getting a nice sear, even in the oven.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix the Lemon Dill Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Coat the Fillets: Spoon the lemon dill butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Use the back of the spoon to spread it out, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
- Top with Lemon Slices: Place a few thin slices of fresh lemon on top of each fillet. This not only adds more lemon flavor as it bakes but also looks beautiful.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon
Want to ensure your baked salmon is restaurant-quality every time? These expert tips will help you avoid common pitfalls like overcooking and guarantee a moist, flaky result.
- Don’t Overbake: Salmon cooks quickly. For 6-ounce fillets, 12-15 minutes at 400°F is usually perfect. The best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer; it should read 135°F to 140°F in the thickest part for a medium cook.
- Pat It Dry: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating! Removing excess moisture from the surface of the fish is crucial for achieving the best texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While you can substitute dried dill or bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh ingredients will always provide a much brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Let It Rest: Just like steak, let the salmon rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, making it even more tender. For a similar easy but impressive dish, check out our Garlic Parmesan Crusted Halibut.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. You can keep it light and healthy or make it a more substantial meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts or Crispy Roasted Cauliflower complements the salmon perfectly.
- Grains: Serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa, couscous, or a simple lemon-herb rice.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or this vibrant Shrimp and Avocado Salad Bowl makes for a refreshing pairing.
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or these delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes (coming soon) are fantastic for a more comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to avoid the microwave, which can dry out the salmon. Instead, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also flake the cold salmon and add it to salads or pasta dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute dried dill for fresh, but the flavor will be more concentrated and less bright. Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every 1 tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe.
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Visually, the salmon should be opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will become dry.
At 400°F (200°C), a typical 6-ounce salmon fillet will take about 12-15 minutes to bake. The exact time depends on the thickness of the fillet. Check for doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork.
This dish is very versatile! It pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus or broccoli, a fresh green salad, fluffy quinoa, lemon rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
For a moist and tender result, salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet for an accurate reading.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy salmon recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other popular seafood and weeknight dinner ideas! For another quick and flavorful salmon dish, try our Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.
Tried This Recipe?
We’d love to hear from you! If you make this Lemon Dill Baked Salmon, please leave a comment and rating below. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks. Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us on Pinterest!
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon Recipe
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon (Easy, Healthy & Delicious!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Spoon the lemon dill butter mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets.
- Top each fillet with a few thin slices of lemon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F in the thickest part.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: For extra flavor, you can let the salmon marinate in the lemon dill butter for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Tip 3: Leftover salmon is delicious cold and can be flaked into salads or pasta.
