Are you tired of bland, dry fish that leaves you disappointed? Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet restaurant-quality Lemon Dill Salmon recipe that will elevate your home cooking game! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious and elegant, your family and friends will think you've secretly trained as a professional chef. This recipe combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with bright, zesty lemon and aromatic fresh dill, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crisp exterior.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Arrange lemon slices underneath and on top of the salmon fillets, creating a fragrant and flavorful layer.
- Chop fresh dill finely and sprinkle over the salmon, distributing the herb evenly.
- Place the prepared salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Exterior: Use paper towels to remove moisture from the salmon, which helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center. Aim for 12-15 minutes of baking time, depending on fillet thickness.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh dill instead of dried for the most vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Placement Tip: Placing lemon slices both under and on top of the salmon infuses more citrusy brightness into the fish.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
