Why You’ll Love This
This Baked Salmon with Dill and Lemon is a simple yet elegant dish packed with fresh, bright flavors. The rich, tender salmon pairs beautifully with zesty lemon and aromatic dill, creating a light and healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or whenever you want a nutritious dish that tastes restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
Ingredients
● 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
● 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
● 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon lemon zest
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 lemon, sliced
● 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
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Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
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Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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Make the seasoning mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper.
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Season the salmon. Spoon or brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
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Add lemon slices. Place a few lemon slices on top of each fillet for extra flavor.
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Bake the salmon. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Optional broil. For a slightly golden top, broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes at the end of cooking.
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Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Baking sheet or baking dish
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Parchment paper (optional)
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Small mixing bowl
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Whisk or spoon
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring spoons
Tips
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Choose fresh salmon: Look for bright-colored fillets with a clean, mild scent.
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Don’t overcook: Salmon is best when slightly moist and flaky. Overcooking can make it dry.
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Use foil packets: Wrapping the salmon in foil helps keep it extra tender and juicy.
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Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
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Try other herbs: Tarragon, thyme, or basil can be used instead of dill.
Serving Suggestions
Baked salmon pairs wonderfully with:
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Roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or carrots)
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Steamed rice or quinoa
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Fresh green salad
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Lemon butter pasta
These sides help create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
1. How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.
3. Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered?
Both methods work. Baking uncovered gives a slightly roasted top, while covering with foil keeps the fish extra moist.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon with Dill and Lemon is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 34 g
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Carbohydrates: 1 g
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Fat: 20 g
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Fiber: 0 g
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Sodium: 310 mg
(Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
