Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is a beautifully balanced seafood dish featuring tender, flaky salmon baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The bright zestiness of lemon pairs perfectly with the fresh, herbaceous aroma of dill, creating a flavor profile that is refreshing, savory, and deeply satisfying.

It’s a minimal-prep recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or someone who’s just starting to cook fish at home, this recipe is an easy win.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple salmon fillets into a flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked meal. The garlic butter adds richness and depth, while the fresh lemon and dill provide a bright, aromatic freshness that balances the richness of the fish. Each bite is juicy, buttery, and infused with a delicate yet vibrant flavor profile.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its ease and elegance. With minimal prep and a simple baking method, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want a healthy yet indulgent meal.

I also love how versatile it is. You can pair it with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad, making it a complete, wholesome meal. The garlic butter and herbs elevate the salmon, making it appealing to both seafood lovers and picky eaters alike.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it perfectly combines tender, flaky salmon with the rich flavors of garlic butter and the fresh brightness of lemon and dill. The result is a dish that’s both indulgent and healthy, with a flavor profile that is elegant yet approachable.

It’s also a must-try because of its simplicity and quick preparation. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can achieve a restaurant-quality salmon dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. The garlic butter infuses the fish with savory richness while the lemon and dill enhance the freshness, making each bite perfectly balanced.

Another reason it stands out is its versatility and universal appeal. Served alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad, it creates a complete, wholesome meal that is sure to impress family and guests alike. The combination of buttery, garlicky salmon with bright herbs makes it a recipe that’s memorable and delicious every time.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~360 kcal
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For Serving:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh dill sprigs

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Salmon
   • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.
4. Assemble
   • Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet (foil or parchment).
   • Brush generously with garlic butter sauce, making sure to coat well.
5. Bake
   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
   • Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan.
   • Garnish with lemon slices, fresh dill, and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat salmon dry; season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and dill.
4. Place salmon on lined baking sheet; brush with sauce.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Garnish and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve the salmon hot, alongside roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, a fresh garden salad, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Make it spicy: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
• Foil packet version: Wrap salmon in foil with the sauce for extra moist results.
• Herb variations: Swap dill for basil, thyme, or cilantro.
• Health boost: Use ghee instead of butter for a paleo-friendly option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) or in a covered skillet to avoid drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small mixing bowl for sauce
• Basting brush (optional)

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is the ultimate quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner. It’s rich yet refreshing, easy yet impressive, making it a staple for both weeknights and special gatherings.