Salmon

Lemon Dill Salmon

Name: Lemon Dill Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 lemons, juiced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup shallots, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

By Freya Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to the simplicity and flavor of seafood. One of my favorite dishes to make is lemon dill salmon, a recipe that's both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The combination of bright, citrusy lemon and fresh, herbaceous dill is a perfect match for the rich flavor of salmon.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was a bit nervous about cooking fish. But with a few simple tips and tricks, I was able to achieve a perfectly cooked salmon with a beautiful golden crust. Now, I'm excited to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it's incredibly versatile - you can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or couscous. And, it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy seafood recipe, look no further. This lemon dill salmon is sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the simple steps to prepare and cook the salmon, as well as provide some helpful tips and variations to make it your own. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The combination of lemon and dill is a classic and delicious flavor combination.
The salmon is cooked to a perfect doneness, with a beautiful golden crust and a moist interior.
This recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
It's a healthy and nutritious option, with plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors and textures. The lemon and dill add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the rich flavor of the salmon. The garlic and shallots add a depth of flavor, while the olive oil and butter provide a richness and moisture to the dish.

The cooking technique is also important. By cooking the salmon at a medium-high heat, we're able to achieve a beautiful golden crust on the outside, while keeping the inside moist and tender. And, by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, we can ensure that the salmon is cooked to a safe and perfect doneness.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. By letting the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking, we allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together. This makes a big difference in the final texture and flavor of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the salmon. Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon with a nice fat content. You'll also need some fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, and shallots. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, such as olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for salmon, be sure to look for sustainable and responsibly sourced options. You can also ask your fishmonger for recommendations on the best type of salmon to use for this recipe.

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon with a nice fat content. You can also use frozen salmon, just be sure to thaw it first.
1/4 cup fresh dill, choppedFresh dill is essential for this recipe. You can also use dried dill, but it won't have the same flavor and texture.
2 lemons, juicedUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice, but it won't have the same brightness and flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use shallots or onions, but garlic is the best choice for this recipe.
1/4 cup shallots, mincedShallots add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use onions or scallions, but shallots are the best choice for this recipe.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice for this recipe. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, but olive oil is the best choice.
2 tbsp butterButter adds a richness and moisture to the dish. You can also use other fats, such as ghee or coconut oil, but butter is the best choice for this recipe.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Use a high-quality pepper, such as freshly ground black pepper, for the best flavor.
1/4 cup white wine (optional)White wine adds a nice flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use other liquids, such as chicken or fish stock, but white wine is the best choice for this recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Lemon Dill Salmon

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
3
Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
5
Add the garlic and shallots to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6
Add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin side up (if they have skin).
7
Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
8
Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
9
Remove the salmon from the pan and place it on a plate.
10
Add the lemon juice, butter, and white wine (if using) to the pan and stir to combine.
11
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it has reduced slightly.
12
Serve the salmon with the sauce spooned over the top.
13
Garnish with chopped fresh dill and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the salmon - it should be cooked to a medium-rare or medium doneness.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon for food safety.
Don't overcrowd the pan - cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
Add the garlic and shallots to the pan before the salmon to prevent them from burning.
Use a whisk to stir the sauce and combine the ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon - it should be cooked to a medium-rare or medium doneness.
Not patting the salmon dry with paper towels before cooking - this can prevent it from cooking evenly.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon - this can lead to food safety issues.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving - this can cause the juices to run out of the fish.
Not using a high-quality olive oil - this can affect the flavor of the dish.
Not cooking the garlic and shallots before adding the salmon - this can prevent them from cooking evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some lemon zest to the sauce for extra brightness and flavor.
Use a different type of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some capers or chopped olives to the sauce for a salty, savory flavor.
Use a different type of wine, such as red or sparkling, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the pan with the garlic and shallots for extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Lemon Dill Salmon

This lemon dill salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include roasted vegetables, quinoa or couscous, and a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or noodles.

One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a side of roasted asparagus and a simple green salad. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon and the freshness of the dill pair perfectly with the earthy flavor of the asparagus and the peppery flavor of the greens.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sproutsQuinoa or couscousA simple green saladCrusty breadRice or noodlesSteamed broccoli or green beans

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This lemon dill salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve it.

You can also freeze the salmon for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

To reheat the salmon, simply place it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook it.

It's also a good idea to make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the sauce before serving it over the salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but I recommend using wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature?

You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The internal temperature should be at least 145 F (63 C) for food safety.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also cook the salmon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

You can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also use different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?

You can prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan by making sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon and by not overcrowding the pan. You can also use a non-stick pan or add a small amount of oil to the pan before adding the salmon.

Can I serve this recipe at a dinner party?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a dinner party. It's easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, this recipe is healthy. Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and the lemon and dill add a bright, citrusy flavor without adding extra calories.

Can I make this recipe for a large group?

Yes, you can make this recipe for a large group. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the salmon in batches if necessary. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Full Recipe

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