Baked Lemon and Garlic Butter Dill Salmon

These lemon garlic butter salmon fillets are baked to flaky perfection in less than 15 minutes. Tender on the inside with the ultimate crispy edges, each fillet is coated in rich melted garlic butter, freshly grated lemon zest, and finished with vibrant fresh dill.

Garlic Butter Dill Salmon: A Healthy Meal with Restaurant-Worthy Flavors

Effortless elegance meets weeknight convenience with this baked garlic butter dill salmon. Here is why this recipe is about to become a regular in your dinner rotation:

• It's packed with nutrients: This is a healthy dinner you can feel great about serving. Fresh salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation and support overall brain health.
  
• It's incredibly simple: Just like our honey mustard salmon, this sheet pan recipe requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.

Lemon and Garlic Butter Dill Salmon Ingredients

This is an overview of the main ingredients in this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

• Salmon Fillets: Many different types of salmon work beautifully for this recipe, including King, Sockeye, and Coho. We are using wild-caught Coho salmon fillets, which offer a rich, meaty flavor and perfectly flaky texture.
  
• Lemon: We use the whole lemon to build flavor in layers. Freshly grated lemon zest gets baked right in, while a quick spritz of fresh juice at the very end brightens up the entire dish.
  
• Garlic: I love the quick convenience of garlic powder for an even coating on the fish, but fresh minced garlic will absolutely work if you prefer a punchier, more rustic flavor.
  
• Fresh Dill: Because dill is a delicate herb, I recommend adding it right after the salmon comes out of the oven. This prevents it from burning and maintains its bright flavor and vibrant green color. (Note: If you are not a fan of dill, fresh parsley is a fantastic substitute!)

How To Make Baked Lemon and Garlic Butter Dill Salmon

• Step 1: Prep the Salmon. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper, then place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

• Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter and Coat the Salmon: Melt the butter in a small bowl, then stir in the garlic powder and fresh lemon zest to create a fragrant glaze. Generously brush or spoon this savory melted butter evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, making sure every inch is completely coated.

• Step 3: Bake and Broil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the center reaches 125°F. Next, turn on the broiler for the final 2 minutes to achieve a perfect golden crust. The final internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F, depending on your preferred level of doneness.

• Step 4: Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous pinch of chopped fresh dill.

Sides To Serve With Baked Salmon

Here are some of my favorite side dishes to pair with this delicious baked salmon:

• Roasted Broccoli: Made with garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a spritz of lemon.
  
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized exterior, tender interior, and a chili-cumin-garlic spice blend.
  
• Roasted Rosemary Potatoes: Featuring garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and a hint of butter.
  
• Crispy Garlic Dill Roasted Potatoes: Natural buttery soft centers and delicate skins that crisp up beautifully in the oven, tossed in a vibrant blend of seasonings and finished with fresh herbs.
  
• Arugula Salad: Honey-lemon balsamic vinaigrette, pine nuts, and parmesan.
  
• Za'atar Cauliflower: Made with sweet dates, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and fresh thyme, it is roasted to perfection with a blend of aromatic Middle Eastern spices.
  
• Delicata Squash: Creamy buttery flavor, seasoned with garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Pack leftover salmon into an airtight glass container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
  
• Reheating: Gently warm leftovers in the oven at 275°F until heated through, or microwave on medium power in short bursts to keep the salmon tender.

More Salmon Recipes To Enjoy

• Honey Mustard Salmon: Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this vibrant honey mustard salmon.
  
• Hot Honey Salmon: Perfectly caramelized, sticky edges meet a melt-in-your-mouth center in this irresistible hot honey salmon.
  
• Orange Maple Glazed Salmon: Incredibly light and refreshing, yet bursting with citrus and maple flavor.
  
• Gluten-Free Salmon Cakes: Easy, healthy, and delicious: these gluten-free salmon patties are made with simple ingredients and deliver flaky, moist perfection. Serve with our creamy lemon-dill sauce.

Common Questions

How long does it take to cook salmon filets?

Cooking Times at 400°F: The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your fillet. Here is what is recommended:

Standard fillets: 8 to 10 minutes
Thicker fillets: 12 to 15 minutes

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator. Be sure to pat the salmon extra dry with paper towels before adding the butter to ensure you still get those crispy edges

What is the white stuff that comes out of salmon when baking?

The white stuff is called albumin. It is a liquid protein that exists in raw fish. As the salmon cooks and the muscle fibers contract, the albumin is squeezed out and coagulates on the surface. It is 100% safe to eat and totally normal, though you can easily wipe it away with a fork before serving if you prefer a cleaner presentation.