Print

The Best Lemon Dill Butter Salmon Recipe

lemon dill butter salmon - featured image
Print Recipe

This lemon dill butter salmon is a quick and easy dish that looks fancy but is secretly simple. Perfect for impressing guests or a last-minute dinner, it features a perfectly balanced butter sauce that’s bright, savory, and completely addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless, about 170g each)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g, cut into small cubes)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped, plus more for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (60ml)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Take the salmon out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Zest the lemon, then juice it. Chop the dill finely, including the tender stems. Mince the garlic.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Sear the salmon presentation side down first (skin-side up if using skin-on fillets). Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 2 minutes on the second side.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter cubes to the pan, letting them melt around the salmon. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth. Stir gently and let bubble for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  10. Sprinkle the fresh dill over the salmon and sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using. Spoon some sauce over each fillet.
  11. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness. For medium-rare, cook until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C); for medium, 130-135°F (54-57°C).
  12. Let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes.
  13. Spoon the sauce over the salmon one more time before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use cold butter for a silkier sauce. An instant-read thermometer ensures perfect doneness. Make extra sauce to spoon over sides.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon dill butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, baked salmon, salmon with butter sauce, last-minute dinner, crowd-pleasing salmon

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/the-best-lemon-dill-butter-salmon-recipe/