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Best Flaky Lemon Dill Butter Salmon Recipe

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This lemon dill butter salmon is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels special. With a buttery, herb-infused sauce and perfectly flaky fish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: extra fresh dill sprigs, lemon slices, flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the compound butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mash together with a fork until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Prep the salmon: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering.
  4. Sear the salmon: Place fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Flip and add butter: Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Add the compound butter to the pan, placing a spoonful on top of each fillet. Let it melt and bubble.
  6. Baste the salmon: Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the tops of the fillets for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through.
  7. Finish with lemon: Squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over the fillets right before removing from heat.
  8. Rest and serve: Transfer salmon to a serving plate. Spoon remaining butter from the pan over the top. Let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Don’t move the fish too early; let it develop a crust. Use room temperature butter for easy mixing. Watch the heat to prevent butter from burning. Trust the fork test for doneness. Fresh dill is essential; dried dill won’t work as well.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon dill butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, flaky salmon, butter salmon

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