Description
For a light and refreshing dinner, try this Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Salmon. The salmon is slowly roasted to lock in moisture and flavor, then topped with a tangy lemon-dill sauce. It’s the perfect balance of zesty citrus and fragrant herbs, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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- Salmon: 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
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- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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- Lemon: 1 lemon, thinly sliced (reserve juice for later)
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- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
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- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
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- Salt: ½ teaspoon (to taste)
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- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
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- Honey: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Optional Add-ins:
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- Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme (for added fragrance and flavor)
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- Capers: 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained (for a briny contrast)
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- Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish (for an added pop of color)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Salmon
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- Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low roasting temperature ensures the salmon cooks gently and stays tender. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
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- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning adhere better. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon) on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Season the Salmon
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- Drizzle the salmon fillets with the olive oil, ensuring they are lightly coated on both sides. This will help keep the salmon moist during roasting and give it a lovely golden finish.
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- Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper evenly over the fillets. Be generous with the dill, as its fresh, herbaceous flavor pairs beautifully with the salmon.
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- Place the thin lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. The lemon slices not only add a burst of citrus aroma as they roast but also help infuse the fish with a refreshing lemon flavor.
3. Slow Roast the Salmon
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- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the salmon for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked salmon.
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- For extra flavor, you can drizzle the salmon with a little more lemon juice halfway through the cooking process. This enhances the citrus notes and keeps the fish moist.
4. Optional: Add a Touch of Honey
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- If you prefer a slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors, drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the salmon fillets just before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon and dill perfectly.
5. Serve the Salmon
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- Once the salmon is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful bite.
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- Serve the Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Salmon on individual plates, garnishing with fresh parsley, extra dill, or a few capers for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-400 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Protein: 25-30g