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Quick Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter

Quick Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter - featured image

This quick and easy baked salmon recipe features a flavorful lemon dill butter that keeps the fish moist and flaky. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place it in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the hot pan.
  5. Divide the lemon dill butter evenly among the fillets, spreading it over the top.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F for medium).
  7. Optional: Switch oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Watch closely.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon extra melted butter from the pan over the top before serving.

Notes

For best results, pat salmon dry to ensure browning. Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing. Salmon is done at 125°F-130°F internal temperature. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a low oven or skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill butter, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon