Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: A Simple Dinner Delight
Hey there! Looking for a dinner that’s super easy to make but tastes amazing? I’ve got just the thing for you. This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is a winner. It’s light, healthy, and comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Perfect for a busy weeknight or even a relaxed weekend meal.
This dish is all about simple, fresh flavors. The salmon bakes up so moist and flaky, and the lemon and dill give it this wonderful brightness. You can serve it with some roasted veggies or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s good for you too. Plus, it’s a great way to get some healthy omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. If you like flavorful fish, you might also enjoy our Spicy Chicken Fajita Bowls for a Quick Weeknight Dinner.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salmon dish:
* Four 6-ounce salmon fillets (about 1.5 lbs total)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt, to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
* A few sprigs of fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
Step By Step Making
Let’s get cooking! It’s really straightforward.
1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Grab a baking dish that’s big enough to hold your salmon fillets without them touching too much.
2. Next, lightly oil both sides of your salmon fillets. Season them well with salt and pepper. You want them to taste great!
3. Now, arrange the lemon slices and a few sprigs of fresh dill on the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a nice bed for the salmon and infuses it with flavor.
4. Place the salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices and dill, with the skin side down. If you’re using fillets with skin on, it helps keep the fish moist.
5. You can add about half a cup of dry white wine, fish stock, chicken stock, or even just water to the bottom of the dish. This helps create steam and keeps the salmon super moist while it bakes.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. This traps the steam and ensures the salmon cooks perfectly.
7. Bake for about 10 to 20 minutes. The exact time will depend on how thick your salmon fillets are. You’re looking for the fish to flake easily when you poke it with a fork. A good internal temperature is around 135°F.
8. Once it’s cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest, still covered, for about 5 more minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making the salmon even more tender.
9. Finally, garnish your beautiful baked salmon with the extra fresh dill. Serve it up right away and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
For a 6-ounce serving of this Lemon Dill Baked Salmon, here’s what you can generally expect:
* Calories: Around 295 calories. Some sources list around 277 calories for an 8-ounce filet.
* Protein: Approximately 35 grams. This is a fantastic amount of protein.
* Carbs: Very low, around 1 gram. Some recipes might show slightly higher if other ingredients are added, like a sauce or side rice, with one source listing 49g total carbs and 9g fiber for a Lemon Dill Baked Salmon by Methodology.
* Fat: Around 13 grams. This includes healthy fats. Another source shows 19g total fat for an 8-ounce filet.
Health Benefits
Eating salmon, especially prepared in healthy ways like this baked version, comes with some great health perks.
First off, salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These are super important fats that your body can’t make on its own. Omega-3s are fantastic for your heart health, helping to protect against heart disease and strokes. They can also help reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Salmon is also a great source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal. This can be really helpful if you’re trying to manage your weight.
Beyond that, salmon provides important vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of Vitamin D and B vitamins. These help with everything from bone health to sleep quality and even mood regulation. The antioxidants in salmon, like astaxanthin, can also help protect your eyes. Plus, the omega-3s are thought to be beneficial for brain function and can even help improve mood and fight depression.
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy these benefits. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and the lemon and dill bring flavor without a lot of extra calories. It’s a meal that tastes good and does good for your body. For more healthy fish options, check out our pezni site for more ideas.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by pezni for general informational purposes only.