Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter
Silky, buttery baked salmon topped with a bright lemon dill butter that enhances the fish’s natural flavor and texture. This easy 5-step recipe delivers moist, flaky salmon perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces (170g) per piece
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Zest of one medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease an oven-safe dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined and creamy.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
- Spread a generous layer of the lemon dill butter evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
Let salmon rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for even cooking. Use softened butter, not melted, for best texture. Test doneness by gently pressing salmon; it should feel firm but springy. Broil briefly for a golden finish if desired. For dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based spread that melts well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One 6-ounce (170g) s
- Calories: 375
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill butter, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, quick salmon, seafood, weeknight meal, gluten-free, low-carb