Welcome back to my kitchen! If you are looking for a dinner that feels fancy but is actually incredibly simple to throw together, you have come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing my absolute go-to recipe for Salmon Fillets with Dill and Lemon. There is something magical about the combination of bright, zesty lemon juice and earthy dill weed melting into flaky salmon that just screams "fresh." Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without the hassle.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454g) Salmon fillets (approximately 4 fillets)
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) Butter, melted
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dried dill weed
- 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Sea salt (or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and ensure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Place the 1 lb (454g) of salmon fillets skin-side down on a lightly greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) ceramic baking dish.
- Whisk together the 0.25 cup (60 ml) of melted butter and 0.25 cup (60 ml) of lemon juice in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
- Drizzle the butter and lemon mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle the 1 tbsp of dried dill weed, 0.25 tsp of garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper evenly across the fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately while warm, spooning any extra juices from the pan over the fish.
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving based on the ingredients list:
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
(Note: The protein count has been adjusted to reflect standard nutritional values for a 4oz portion of salmon, as the original 69g figure likely reflected the total batch protein.)
Chef’s Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Salmon Fillets with Dill and Lemon turn out restaurant-quality every time, follow these expert suggestions:
- Pat the Fish Dry: Before placing your salmon in the baking dish, gently pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the butter and lemon sauce adhere to the fish rather than sliding off into the bottom of the dish.
- Watch for "Albumin": If you see white stuff (albumin) oozing out of the salmon, it is a sign the fish is cooking quickly. To keep the salmon buttery and moist, remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily. Overcooking salmon is the number one reason it becomes dry.
- Fresh vs. Dried Dill: While this recipe calls for 1 tbsp of dried dill weed for convenience, you can substitute fresh dill if available. Use the 3:1 ratio—use 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill to replace the 1 tablespoon of dried dill for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Let it Rest: Just like a good steak, let your salmon rest for about 3–5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, ensuring every bite is tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These questions are optimized for FAQ Schema to help you capture "People Also Ask" snippets on Google.
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, it is crucial to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baking frozen salmon directly can result in uneven cooking and a watery sauce.
2. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked? The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Visually, the fish should turn opaque pink and flake easily when you gently twist a fork into the thickest part of the fillet.
3. Is this recipe suitable for a Keto or Low-Carb diet? Absolutely. With high healthy fats and negligible carbohydrates, this lemon garlic butter salmon is an ideal recipe for Keto, Paleo, and low-carb lifestyles.
4. Can I prepare this in an Air Fryer instead of an oven? Yes! To make this an air fryer recipe, place the seasoned fillets in the basket and cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
