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Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter (Best 20-Minute Dinner)

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This easy baked salmon with lemon dill butter is a quick, foolproof weeknight dinner that delivers tender, flaky fish with a glossy butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients and one-pan cleanup, it’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: extra fresh dill sprigs, lemon slices, flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven and allow 10-15 minutes for full preheating.
  2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray).
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. Season the salmon evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
  6. Divide the butter mixture evenly among the four fillets, pressing thin pats onto the top of each piece.
  7. Optional: Arrange thin lemon slices around the fillets on the pan or place one slice on top of each fillet.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (12 minutes for medium, 15 minutes for fully cooked). Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Spoon the pan juices (melted lemon dill butter) over each fillet before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly for best browning. Use room temperature butter for easier mixing. Fresh dill is preferred; if using dried, use 1 teaspoon and let it rehydrate in the butter for 5 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan—leave space between fillets. Check salmon a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill butter, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, one-pan salmon

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-baked-salmon-with-lemon-dill-butter-best-20-minute-dinner/