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Easy Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: Best Flaky Recipe

lemon dill baked salmon - featured image

This lemon dill baked salmon is a quick, easy, and foolproof recipe that delivers perfectly flaky, tender fish every time. Made with simple ingredients like lemon, dill, and butter, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large lemon (juice and slices)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, juice of half the lemon (about 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, and chopped dill. Whisk together.
  3. Slice the remaining half of the lemon into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick.
  4. Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. Place one or two lemon slices in the center of each sheet.
  5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place one fillet on top of the lemon slices on each foil sheet. Sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper.
  6. Spoon the butter mixture over each fillet, dividing equally. Spread gently to coat the top.
  7. Fold the foil over the salmon and crimp the edges tightly to create a sealed packet, leaving a little air space around the fish. Place packets on a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F.
  9. Carefully open one end of each foil packet to let steam escape. Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer fillets to plates, spoon buttery juices over the top, and garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t open the oven to check on the salmon frequently, as heat escapes and affects cooking time. If fillets vary in thickness, check thinner ones a minute or two early. For best results, use fresh dill and an instant-read thermometer. The foil packet method creates a gentle steam environment that keeps the fish moist.

Nutrition

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