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Buttery Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This buttery lemon dill baked salmon is a quick and easy 20-minute dinner that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make something special. The butter keeps the salmon tender and flaky, while lemon and dill add bright, fresh flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: lemon slices for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down in a baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped dill, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  4. Divide the butter mixture evenly among the fillets and spread over the top. If using, arrange lemon slices on top.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is slightly translucent (125°F for medium, 130°F for well-done).
  6. Remove from oven and squeeze the juice from the zested lemon over the top. Let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, spooning pan sauce over each fillet and garnishing with extra fresh dill.

Notes

Don’t overbake the salmon—it goes from perfectly flaky to dry quickly. Pat the salmon dry thoroughly to avoid steaming. Let the butter come to room temperature for easy spreading. The pan sauce is liquid gold—don’t leave it behind. For best results, use fresh dill, not dried.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon, buttery salmon, 20-minute meal

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