There’s nothing quite like perfectly cooked salmon – flaky, tender, and bursting with flavor. This simple yet elegant recipe combines the classic pairing of lemon and dill with rich butter and garlic for a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The secret? Not overcooking the fish! Follow this tested method for salmon that’s perfectly cooked every time.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment Needed
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs fresh salmon, cut into four 6 oz fillets
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 fresh lemon slices
- ½ tsp Himalayan pink salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the salmon:
- Cut salmon into four equal 6 oz fillets if not already portioned
- Leave the skin on – it helps keep the fish moist
- Pat fillets dry with paper towels
- Make the butter sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper
- The mixture should be well combined and fragrant
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Line your 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down, leaving space between each piece
- Drizzle each fillet with equal amounts of the butter sauce
- Top each piece with a fresh lemon slice
- Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil
- Bake for 10-12 minutes
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp the edges
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh dill
- Serve immediately while hot
Recipe Tips
- Choosing Salmon: Look for fillets with bright color and a fresh, ocean-like smell. Wild-caught salmon typically has the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: The key to moist salmon is watching the cooking time carefully. The fish should be just barely opaque throughout.
- Room Temperature: Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (6 oz fillet):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1,800mg
Health Benefits
- Rich in high-quality protein
- Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids
- High in B vitamins
- Good source of potassium and selenium
- Contains antioxidants
- Supports heart and brain health
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Serve over quinoa or brown rice
- Add a fresh green salad
- Include a side of roasted baby potatoes
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges
Wine Pairing
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while the results are consistently impressive.