My Favorite Weeknight Salmon Dinner
Let’s talk about an easy salmon recipe. This baked lemon dill salmon is my go-to. It feels fancy but is so simple. You just need one pan and some foil. I love that. It means less washing up later.
I learned this trick from my neighbor, Margie. She brought over a foil pouch salmon one busy Tuesday. I was so tired. That kind meal saved my evening. Now I make it all the time. What’s your favorite quick meal for a tired night?
Why The Foil Pouch is Magic
Learning how to cook salmon in foil is a game-changer. The pouch seals in all the steam. This keeps the fish so tender and moist. It also mixes the lemon and garlic flavors together beautifully. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you open it?
This matters because no one likes dry fish. The pouch does the work for you. You get perfect salmon every single time. *Fun fact: This method is called “en papillote.” It’s just a fancy way to say “in parchment,” but we use foil!
The Simple Joy of Flavors
This baked salmon with lemon and fresh dill is so bright. The lemon slices get soft and sweet. The dill tastes like a fresh garden. Garlic makes everything better, don’t you think? It’s a happy little flavor party on a sheet pan.
I use a good olive oil here. It helps the garlic and herbs stick. It also helps the top get golden under the broiler. That quick broil at the end is the secret. It gives you those tasty crispy edges. Do you prefer your salmon soft or a bit crispy on top?
Why This Meal Matters
This is a truly healthy salmon recipe. That good fat in the fish is great for your brain. The protein keeps you full and strong. Eating food that makes you feel good is so important. It’s a gift to your future self.
This also matters because it brings people together. A simple, quick salmon recipe means more time at the table. Less time stuck at the stove. I still laugh at how my grandson always steals a lemon slice from the pan. He loves the tangy taste.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
So, try this sheet pan salmon. It’s hard to mess up. Remember to seal your foil pouch well. That steam is your best friend. Listen for the sizzle when you open it. That’s the sound of success.
What will you serve with your salmon with dill? I love simple roasted potatoes or green beans. Tell me your favorite side dish. I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking, my friend.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 2 pounds | |
| Lemons | 2 medium | One sliced, one for juice if desired |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoon | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Fresh dill | 3 tablespoon | Chopped, divided |
| Pepper | to taste | Fresh ground |
Instructions
Step 1: First, heat your oven to 375°F. This is the perfect temperature for our baked lemon dill salmon. It cooks gently and stays juicy. I love how simple this easy salmon recipe is. It makes any night feel special.
Step 2: Line a pan with foil and spray it lightly. Place your salmon right on it. This is the secret to a no-mess weeknight salmon dinner. (A little spray keeps the skin from sticking!) Do you prefer skin-on or skin-off salmon? Share below!
Step 3: Drizzle oil and rub it all over the fish. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and half your fresh dill. Lay thin lemon slices on top. This healthy salmon recipe smells amazing already. The lemon and dill are best friends.
Step 4: Now, fold the foil up to make a sealed pouch. This is how to cook salmon in foil perfectly. It steams in its own lovely juices. I still laugh at the time I made a pouch too small. (Seal it tight so the steam stays in!)
Step 5: Bake your foil pouch salmon for 15 minutes. Then, open it and broil for 3 more minutes. This gives the top a nice, golden touch. Your quick salmon recipe is almost done. The smell will make everyone hungry.
Step 6: Take it out and sprinkle the rest of the fresh dill on top. Serve your sheet pan salmon immediately. It’s so flaky and delicious. This baked salmon with lemon is a true family favorite. I hope you love it as much as we do.
Creative Twists
Honey Garlic Glaze: Brush a mix of honey and soy sauce on before sealing the pouch. It adds a sweet and savory touch.
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and sliced olives to the pouch with the salmon. They roast and make a yummy sauce.
Dill & Cucumber Sauce: Mix yogurt, chopped dill, and grated cucumber for a cool topping. It’s so refreshing on the warm fish.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This healthy salmon recipe is wonderful with simple sides. I love it with fluffy rice or roasted baby potatoes. They soak up the delicious juices from the baked lemon dill salmon. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also perfect. It keeps your weeknight salmon dinner light and fresh. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Salmon Fresh and Ready
Let’s talk about storing this easy salmon recipe. Once cool, place leftovers in a sealed container. They will keep in the fridge for two days. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just wrap it tightly in foil first.
I remember my first foil pouch salmon. I made a double batch! Having a second meal ready felt like a gift. Reheat it gently in the oven, covered. This keeps your healthy salmon recipe moist.
Batch cooking this weeknight salmon dinner saves future you time. It turns a busy evening into a calm one. A ready meal means less stress and more family time. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Even simple recipes can have little problems. First, fish sometimes sticks to the pan. Always use that cooking spray on the foil. It makes cleanup so easy.
Second, herbs can burn under the broiler. I once forgot to move the lemons! Now I always tuck them to the side. This lets the salmon get crispy, not burnt.
Third, garlic can taste bitter if it burns. Mincing it finely helps it cook gently. Getting these small things right builds your confidence. It also makes the flavor of your salmon with dill perfect. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What temperature should salmon be baked at?
For this baked lemon dill salmon, use 375°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking salmon in foil. It cooks the fish through gently. It also lets the lemon and garlic flavors melt together nicely. A moderate heat is key for a tender, flaky result every time.
How long does it take to bake salmon?
It takes about 15 minutes to bake. Then broil for 3 more minutes. The total time is under 20 minutes. This makes it a truly quick salmon recipe. The foil pouch method speeds up the cooking process. Your healthy salmon dinner is ready in no time.
What sides go well with lemon dill salmon?
This baked salmon with lemon pairs with many sides. Try simple rice or roasted potatoes. Steamed asparagus or green beans are also lovely. A fresh garden salad works perfectly too. These sides complete your weeknight salmon dinner. They add color and texture to your plate.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried dill. Use one teaspoon dried for one tablespoon fresh. The flavor is stronger when dried. Add it with the salt and pepper before baking. Fresh dill is brighter, but dried works in a pinch. It will still give you a delicious salmon with dill.
How do you know when baked salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily. Gently poke it with a fork. The flesh should separate into big, moist flakes. It will also look opaque all the way through. The foil pouch helps you see this clearly. This is the best sign for this foil pouch salmon.
What are some tips for keeping salmon moist?
The foil pouch is the biggest tip for moisture. It traps steam around the fish. Also, do not overcook your sheet pan salmon. Check it at the 15-minute mark. Using oil and the lemon slices on top helps too. These steps lock in the juices for a perfect, moist bite every time. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this easy salmon recipe. It has been a favorite in my home for years. *Fun fact: Salmon gets its pink color from eating tiny shrimp!* Cooking should be joyful, not stressful.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you try a new side dish? Your stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
Description
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line a sheet pan with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray then add the salmon.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon then rub to coat. Add the minced garlic on top of the salmon spreading evenly, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and half of the fresh dill. Place thin slices of lemon on top of the salmon.
- Fold the foil up and around the salmon and crumple or fold the pieces together to seal. Fold up the ends to seal and form a large pouch.
- Place the salmon in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes. Remove from oven and change the oven setting to broil. Carefully open the pouch and fold the foil back over the edges of the sheet pan. Move the lemons off of the salmon and place around the sides. Return the salmon to the oven and broil for around 3 minutes until the top begins to brown and the edges begin to crisp up.
- Remove from oven and top with the remaining dill and serve immediately.