Baked Salmon with Butter and Dill
Tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection with a simple yet elegant sauce of melted butter, fresh dill, and a hint of garlic. A quick and healthy weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the salmon.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable.
TIPPatting the salmon dry helps it cook more evenly and allows the skin to get a little crisp.Make the butter and dill sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and the juice from half a lemon. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Season the salmon fillets.
- Brush the butter and dill mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of the fillets.
Bake the salmon until flaky.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
TIPCooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillets. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking.Garnish and serve immediately.
Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with a little extra fresh dill if you like. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh dill. Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but you'll only need about 2 teaspoons.
- 2Don't overbake the salmon! It will continue to cook for a minute or two after you remove it from the oven. Overcooked salmon is dry.
- 3If you like crispy skin, you can place the fillets skin-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
- 4This recipe works well with other fish like cod or halibut, though cooking times may need to be adjusted.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a heart-healthier option, replace the butter with an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil.
dairy freeDairy free
To make this dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative.
quickQuick
For an even faster meal, cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the portion size of the salmon fillet to 6-7 oz (170-200g) per person to boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
Excellent Source of Protein
Provides high-quality protein necessary for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall body function.
Packed with B Vitamins
Salmon is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy production, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, baked salmon is very healthy. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B12, which support heart and brain health.