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Juicy Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter

juicy baked salmon with lemon dill butter - featured image
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A simple, weeknight-friendly baked salmon recipe that uses cold, cubed butter to create a self-basting effect, resulting in moist, flaky fish infused with fresh lemon and dill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (center-cut, approx. 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cubed or slightly softened)
  • 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly with olive oil.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cold butter, lemon zest, chopped dill, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until it forms a loose paste.
  4. Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Brush the top of each fillet lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Divide the lemon dill butter mixture evenly among the fillets, spreading it across the top surface. Ensure the butter remains cool/pliable.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (approx. 4-5 minutes per half-inch).
  7. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Remove when it reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
  8. Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill and extra lemon juice if desired.

Notes

For best results, let salmon come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Do not melt the butter beforehand; cold butter melts slowly during baking to baste the fish. If using salted butter, reduce added salt. Salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven (carryover cooking).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill salmon, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meals, gluten-free, keto-friendly, omega-3

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/juicy-baked-salmon-with-lemon-dill-butter-easy-20-min-dinner/