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Easy Spring Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter

spring baked salmon with lemon dill butter - featured image

This quick and easy baked salmon is topped with a bright, herbaceous lemon dill butter that melts into a glossy sauce as it bakes. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels fancy with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped dill, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until well combined and slightly fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart. Season tops with salt and pepper.
  4. Divide the lemon dill butter evenly among the fillets, spreading over the tops. Leave a few small clumps for flavor pools.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (13 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets). Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  6. Optional: Switch oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a browned top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Let salmon rest on the pan for 2 minutes. Transfer to plates, spoon leftover butter from the pan over the top, and garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for better texture. Use room-temperature butter for easy spreading. Watch the bake time closely to avoid overcooking. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving for juicier results. The lemon dill butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill butter, spring salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, gluten-free, low-carb