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Easy Kid-Approved Lemon Dill Butter Salmon in 20 Minutes

lemon dill butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy salmon recipe with a buttery lemon-dill sauce that’s kid-approved and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from the same lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Optional garnish: extra fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon (5 minutes): Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
  2. Make the compound butter (3 minutes): In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with a fork. Add the minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Heat the skillet (2 minutes): Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Swirl to coat the bottom. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  4. Sear the salmon (4 minutes): Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press down gently with a spatula for a few seconds. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until edges turn opaque and skin is crispy.
  5. Flip and baste (3 minutes): Flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Add the compound butter to the pan; it will melt quickly. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the salmon with the butter sauce for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.
  6. Finish with lemon (1 minute): Squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the salmon. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
  7. Rest and serve (2 minutes): Let the salmon rest in the pan for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, spoon remaining butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best sear. Let salmon sit at room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Butter basting keeps fish moist. If butter browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon dill butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, kid-friendly salmon, quick salmon dinner, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-kid-approved-lemon-dill-butter-salmon-in-20-minutes/