Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 lemon, zest and juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish When measuring olive oil, use a tablespoon for accuracy. For lemon zest, use a microplane. This tool gives you fine zest without the bitter white pith. Chop fresh dill finely to release its flavor. Use a sharp knife for a clean cut. Always check that your measuring tools are dry for best results. Fresh ingredients truly shine in this recipe. Fresh salmon gives you a tender, flaky texture. Look for bright, moist fillets with no fishy smell. Fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that dried dill cannot match. Using a fresh lemon provides a zesty kick, enhancing the flavor. This dish becomes a masterpiece when you prioritize quality ingredients. Cooking with fresh items not only tastes better but also supports your health. When you use fresh, you make each bite delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, chop 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and add it. Next, zest and juice one lemon. You need both for flavor! Mince 2 cloves of garlic and mix it in. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors. This marinade will make your salmon burst with taste. Now, take 4 salmon fillets. Each fillet should weigh about 6 ounces. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. This helps the marinade stick better. Place the fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the marinade generously over each fillet. Make sure every piece gets a good amount. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This step is key for flavor absorption. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). When the oven is ready, place the baking sheet inside. Roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). After baking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, serve it garnished with lemon slices and fresh dill sprigs. Enjoy the deliciousness! To get the best texture from your salmon, start with fresh fillets. Look for bright, firm fish. Dry the salmon with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. When you roast the salmon, keep an eye on the time. Cook it for 12-15 minutes. You want it to flake easily with a fork. If it cooks too long, it can dry out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). To boost the flavor, use fresh dill and lemon. Fresh herbs pack more punch than dried ones. The lemon zest brightens the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of white wine in the marinade adds depth. If you like garlic, try using roasted garlic instead of raw. It gives a sweeter taste. For a twist, mix in some honey. It will balance the lemon's tartness. Avoid over-marinating the salmon. If you leave it too long, the fish can become mushy. Twenty minutes is perfect for flavor. Don’t skip the resting step after cooking. Letting the salmon rest for a few minutes makes it juicier. Lastly, don’t forget to use parchment paper. It helps with easy clean-up and prevents sticking. These small tips can make your meal even better. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon when possible for the best flavor and texture. Marinating Time: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes if you want a more intense flavor. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. Pair with Sides: Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables to complement the salmon's rich flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs and spices to mix things up. Try using thyme, parsley, or basil for a twist. Each herb brings its own flavor. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes. If you want a smoky taste, smoked paprika works well too. Experiment and find your favorite blend! You can roast, grill, or pan-sear your salmon. Grilling adds a nice char and smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 6-8 minutes per side. For pan-searing, heat oil in a skillet. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Each method gives a unique taste. Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon pairs well with many sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a creamy sauce for extra flavor. A nice glass of white wine can elevate your meal. Try pairing it with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy mixing and matching! After enjoying your Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon, store any leftovers. Place the salmon in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the salmon well to avoid any odors from other foods. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts. This keeps the salmon tender. Freezing Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon works great too. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remember to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. I recommend roasting salmon for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The key is to watch for the salmon to flake easily with a fork. This means it is done. Salmon is best when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you have thicker fillets, it may take a few extra minutes. Always check to ensure it’s cooked perfectly. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and enhances the flavor. Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon goes well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette These sides complement the salmon’s bright flavors and keep your meal light and fresh. You can mix and match based on your taste! This blog post covered key points to cook delicious salmon. Fresh ingredients matter for taste. I shared easy measuring tips to get it right every time. You learned about prepping the marinade, cooking techniques, and timing. I also offered tips for perfect texture and flavor. Don't forget the variations to try different herbs or cooking methods. Lastly, I provided storage info for leftovers. With this guide, you can create amazing salmon dishes at home. Enjoy every bite!$

A flavorful and healthy salmon dish marinated with lemon and dill, then roasted to perfection.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 whole lemon, zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
as needed lemon slices, for garnish
as needed fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the marinade generously over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage.
Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the salmon garnished with lemon slices and fresh dill sprigs.

Notes

Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword dill, lemon, roasted, salmon