Baked Salmon with Dill Butter

I can still recall that crisp, almost herbal scent of fresh dill mingling with bright lemon when I first perfected this baked salmon. It was a Tuesday evening, the kind where you just want something easy but satisfying, and the golden glow from the oven promised something truly delicious. This recipe became my go-to for making even the most ordinary moments feel like a little celebration. The way the butter melts into the flaky fish is pure magic.

One time, a few friends dropped by unannounced right around dinner. Panic started to set in, but I remembered I had salmon fillets in the fridge. The oven humming, the clatter of plates being set, and the easy chatter while this baked it transformed what could have been a rushed meal into a relaxed, impromptu dinner party. Everyone raved about the simple elegance of it.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets: Choose beautiful, firm fillets, about 6 ounces each. Skin on will help keep them moist, but skinless works perfectly fine too.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light brush of olive oil helps achieve a lovely golden crust and keeps the fish from sticking.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon. Don't be shy.
• Black pepper: A fresh crack of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aroma.
• 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for creating that creamy, spreadable texture for our dill topping.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped: This is the star of our butter, providing that bright, aromatic, slightly anisy flavor. Always use fresh here.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: The zest contains all the bright citrus oils, adding an incredible fragrance without extra liquid.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: A touch of acidity balances the richness of the butter and fish.
• 1 small garlic clove, minced: Just a hint of garlic adds a wonderful savory depth to the dill butter.
• Lemon wedges: Perfect for a final squeeze of fresh juice at the table, adding an extra pop of flavor.
• Extra fresh dill: A little sprinkle right before serving makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes cleanup a breeze.

Prep the Salmon:

Gently pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Craft the Dill Butter:

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, finely chopped fresh dill, bright lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix everything together until it's beautifully blended and aromatic.

Butter the Fish:

Spread a thin layer of your fragrant dill butter over the top of each salmon fillet. Be sure to reserve about half of the mixture; we will use it for serving.

Time to Bake:

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks just opaque in the center. Watch it closely, as ovens can vary.

Rest and Serve:

Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. This brief pause helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender fillet. Top each with a dollop of the reserved dill butter and garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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This salmon isn't just food; it has become a marker of quiet celebrations in our home, a dish we turn to when we want something truly special without the fuss. It graced our table for birthdays, small anniversaries, and even those peaceful evenings when the only celebration was making it through a busy week. Each time, that first bite of tender, buttery fish feels like a warm hug.

Selecting the Perfect Fillet

When I'm at the fish counter, I always look for fillets that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch. Aim for pieces of similar thickness so they cook evenly; thin tails will dry out before thicker centers are done.

The Art of Seasoning

A common mistake I've observed is under seasoning the salmon itself before the butter goes on. While the dill butter is fantastic, a good base layer of salt and pepper directly on the fish elevates the flavor significantly. It creates a savory foundation that the bright dill and lemon can really sing against.

Beyond the Plate

This dish is wonderful served simply with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus. Don't be afraid to experiment with your side dishes to complement the rich flavor of the salmon. You could even flake any leftover salmon into a salad the next day for a delicious lunch.

• Consider serving with roasted small potatoes or a light quinoa salad.
• A squeeze of extra fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything up beautifully.
• Leftover dill butter is fantastic melted over steamed vegetables or even spread on toast.

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This Baked Salmon with Dill Butter truly is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of salmon works best for this dish?

You can use any variety of salmon, such as Atlantic, Sockeye, or Coho. Ensure the fillets are roughly 170g (6 oz) each for even cooking. Both skin-on and skinless fillets are suitable; the skin helps keep the fish moist and crispy if desired.

→ Can I substitute other herbs for dill in the butter?

Absolutely! While fresh dill complements salmon beautifully, you can easily substitute it with other fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a mix of tarragon and chives for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is typically done when it flakes easily with a fork at its thickest part and appears slightly opaque in the center. Baking times can vary, but generally, 14-18 minutes at 200°C (400°F) is sufficient for a 1-inch thick fillet.

→ What are some good side dishes to serve with dill butter salmon?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, asparagus, a light quinoa salad, or a crisp green salad. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also complements the flavors nicely.

→ Can I prepare the dill butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dill butter up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before spreading it on the salmon for best results.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

While best served fresh, cooked salmon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or microwave, though the texture might change slightly. It's also delicious cold flaked into salads.