Baked Salmon with Flavorful Lemon Dill Sauce

There’s something timeless about a rich, flavorful sauce that brings a dish to life. A sauce that doesn’t just coat the food but infuses each bite with warmth, zest, and a bit of magic. The lemon butter dill sauce over baked salmon is a prime example of this culinary harmony. It’s simple yet indulgent, familiar yet exciting – the type of meal that doesn’t require fancy skills but leaves you feeling like a seasoned chef.

Butter is one of those ingredients that gives an undeniable richness to any dish, and with salmon, it’s a match made in heaven. The silky quality of melted butter embraces the salmon, adding depth without overwhelming its natural flavor. Dill, fresh and slightly sweet, cuts through this richness with a mild herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with seafood. It’s a classic combination that tastes just as beautiful as it sounds. Dill doesn’t dominate the dish; rather, it intertwines, bringing a subtle freshness that complements the buttery base. Fresh lemon juice infuses the sauce with a natural acidity that awakens the palate and cuts through the heavier butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels as refreshing as it is comforting. With its delicate oils and aromatic punch, the lemon zest takes the flavor a step further, adding complexity without overshadowing the other ingredients. 

sometimes, the most exquisite meals come from the heart of the kitchen, where flavors are paired perfectly and seasoned with love.

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter 3 tbsp
• Fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) 2 tbsp
• Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
• Chicken stock ½ cup
• Fresh dill (chopped) 2 tbsp (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
• Black Pepper to taste
• Lemon zest (optional, for extra lemony flavor)
• Cooking cream 2 tbsp
• Salmon fillets (around 4-6 ounces each) 3-4 fillets
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (for brushing salmon) 2 tbsp

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and lightly brush with olive oil.
3. Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.
4. Bake the salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
5. While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and chopped dill. Pour the stock and let it come to a boil. Stir in cream and turn off the heat. Remove from heat and keep warm. Drizzle the warm lemon butter dill sauce over the baked salmon fillets.
8. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon slices if desired.