Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner hero, a dish that’s as elegant as it is effortless. Imagine tender, flaky salmon, baked to perfection on a single sheet pan, infused with the bright zest of lemon and the fresh, aromatic notes of dill. This recipe is special because of its incredible simplicity and the way it delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal prep and cleanup, making it a dream come true for any busy evening.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20-25 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Dill Salmon:
- 2Â 6-oz Salmon Fillets (skin on or off)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Melted Butter
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1Â large Lemon, zested and juiced (reserve half the lemon for slicing)
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil large enough to hold the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel for the best texture. Place the fillets, skin-side down if applicable, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted butter), lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill.
- Season the Fish: Brush the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Add Lemon Slices: Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and arrange the slices on top of or around the fillets on the pan.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- Check for Doneness: The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. For a precise check, the internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Be careful not to overbake to ensure the salmon stays moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill and serve immediately with the roasted lemon slices for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your incredibly delicious and simple meal!
Recipe Notes:
- Choosing Your Salmon: Both fresh and frozen salmon work beautifully here. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning.
- The Secret to Moist Salmon: The single most important tip is to not overbake it! Salmon continues to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the heat. It’s better to pull it when it’s just barely cooked through in the center.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the olive oil mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap dill for fresh parsley or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Perfect Keto Pairings: This salmon is fantastic served alongside roasted asparagus (you can cook it on the same pan!), a fresh green salad, cauliflower rice, or steamed green beans.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in a low-temperature oven just until warmed through to prevent it from drying out.
There you have it – an incredibly delicious, quick, and healthy keto meal that tastes like a special occasion but is easy enough for any night of the week! This baked salmon will quickly become a favorite for its bright flavors and foolproof preparation. We hope you enjoy this wonderfully simple dish! Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories:Â 465;Â Net Carbs:Â 2g;Â Protein:Â 35g;Â Fat:Â 34g.Â
Disclaimer:Â Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
