Welcome to the only Lemon Dill Baked Salmon recipe you’ll ever need. This dish is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, delivering a flaky, moist, and incredibly flavorful salmon fillet with just a handful of fresh ingredients. If you’re searching for a healthy, quick, and impressive meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but special enough for company, you’ve found it. We’re skipping complicated steps and focusing on a foolproof method that guarantees tender, perfectly cooked salmon every single time.
This recipe is all about enhancing the natural, buttery flavor of the salmon with a classic combination of zesty lemon and fresh, aromatic dill. It’s a powerhouse of Omega-3s and comes together in under 20 minutes from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon Recipe is the Best
In a sea of salmon recipes, this one stands out for its simplicity and superior results. We use a specific baking technique to lock in moisture, ensuring the salmon steams gently in its own juices for a succulent, never-dry texture.
Incredibly Fast: This is a true 20-minute meal. Ten minutes to prep, and about 12-15 minutes to bake.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need salmon, lemon, dill, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. That’s it!
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving.
Foolproof Method: By creating a “boat” with parchment paper, you guarantee a perfectly flaky result.
A healthy and delicious dinner is served!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salmon Fillet: Look for a center-cut salmon fillet, about 1.5 to 2 pounds, with the skin on or off. Wild-caught Coho or Sockeye salmon are fantastic choices, but high-quality farmed Atlantic salmon works beautifully too.
Fresh Lemons: You’ll need one lemon for slicing to lay over the fish and another for juicing to create the simple sauce.
Fresh Dill: Do not substitute with dried dill! The fresh, feathery fronds provide an essential, bright, and slightly anise-like flavor that is central to this dish.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil brings everything together.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
How to Make the Perfect Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. The key is to not overthink it and let the oven do the work.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of parchment paper. Place your salmon fillet in the center.
Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Drizzle it generously with olive oil and rub it all over the fillet. Season well with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Create the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the lemon-dill mixture over the salmon fillet, spreading it evenly. Arrange thin slices of lemon on top of the fillet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillet.
Look at that perfectly flaky, moist salmon!
Expert Tips for Success
Want to ensure your baked salmon is restaurant-quality every time? Follow these tips from our kitchen.
Don’t Overbake: The biggest mistake people make with salmon is overcooking it. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily. A food thermometer should read 145°F at the thickest part.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs have their place, this recipe absolutely shines with fresh dill. Its flavor is much brighter and more potent.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Always use a paper towel to pat your fillet dry before adding oil and seasonings. This helps the skin get a little crispier (if you leave it on) and allows the seasonings to adhere better. For another amazing baked fish recipe, check out this foolproof method for Baked Salmon in Foil.
While the classic lemon and dill combination is a winner, feel free to experiment!
Add Capers: For a briny, salty kick, sprinkle a tablespoon of capers over the salmon before baking.
Include Other Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can be added along with the dill for more complexity.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-dill mixture for a little heat.
Try Other Citrus: While this is a lemon dill recipe, orange or lime slices can be used for a different flavor profile. It creates a taste reminiscent of our popular Lemon Garlic Chicken.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover salmon can be a real treat! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold on top of a salad, or reheat it gently. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm it in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, until just heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salmon rubbery.
The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet. At this temperature, the salmon will be opaque and flake easily.
For this recipe, we recommend baking the salmon uncovered. The 400°F oven temperature is high enough to cook the salmon quickly without it drying out, allowing the top to get nicely roasted.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but you must thaw it completely first. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat it very dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Besides checking the internal temperature, you can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twisting. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s done.
Baking salmon with the skin on helps protect the fillet from overcooking and keeps it more moist. The skin easily separates from the flesh after cooking if you prefer not to eat it. However, the recipe works perfectly well with skinless salmon too.
The Perfect Meal Awaits
This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a ticket to a healthy meal, and a simple way to impress your guests. We know you’ll love its fresh, vibrant flavors and how effortlessly it comes together. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts. For more visual inspiration and recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
This stunning yet simple Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is ready in just 20 minutes!
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
FL Recipes
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: The Ultimate 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is the perfect quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. Flaky, moist, and ready in under 20 minutes with just a handful of fresh ingredients!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, in the center of the parchment.
Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to rub it over the entire surface. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill.
Pour the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the top of the salmon fillet. Arrange the thin lemon slices over the mixture in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalProtein: 38gFat: 24gFiber: 1g
Notes
Do Not Overbake: Check the salmon at the 12-minute mark to prevent it from drying out. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill is essential for the best flavor; do not substitute with dried. Serving: This salmon is delicious with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a simple green salad.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
