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Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight

This recipe focuses on delivering a perfectly cooked Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce. We will guide you through each step, from selecting the freshest ingredients to achieving that flaky, tender salmon and a zesty, aromatic sauce that complements it beautifully. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. You’ll learn how to roast salmon to perfection, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful, and how to create a vibrant lemon-dill sauce that elevates the entire dish. We’ll also cover variations and tips for customizing the recipe to your taste preferences. Furthermore, the article will address common questions about cooking salmon, storage, and nutritional benefits.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Salmon Recipe

This roasted salmon recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The lemon-dill sauce is bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complementing the richness of the salmon. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice, making it a complete and balanced meal. Plus, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you begin, let’s ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to creating a truly exceptional roasted salmon dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon Fillets: Choose skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference. Aim for fillets that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps the salmon stay moist.
• Lemon: You’ll need both the juice and zest for the sauce and to season the salmon.
• Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is essential for that classic lemon-dill flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the salmon and sauce.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Preparing the Roasted Salmon

Now, let’s get started with preparing the salmon. This simple process ensures that your salmon is perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Step 1: Preheating and Preparing

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze.

Step 2: Seasoning the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired. Ensure the salmon is evenly coated for optimal flavor.

Step 3: Roasting the Salmon

Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them.

Crafting the Lemon-Dill Sauce

While the salmon is roasting, let’s prepare the lemon-dill sauce. This vibrant sauce is the perfect complement to the rich, flavorful salmon.

Step 1: Melting the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t brown, as this can affect the flavor of the sauce.

Step 2: Adding Garlic and Lemon Zest

Add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Incorporating Lemon Juice and Dill

Stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside until the salmon is ready. You can add a touch more fresh dill just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Your Roasted Salmon

Once the salmon is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. Here’s how to serve your roasted salmon with lemon-dill sauce for the best presentation and flavor.

Step 1: Plating the Salmon

Carefully transfer the roasted salmon fillets to plates. You can use a spatula to gently lift the salmon from the baking sheet.

Step 2: Drizzling the Sauce

Generously drizzle the lemon-dill sauce over the salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet is well coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Adding Garnishes

Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges. These garnishes add a touch of elegance and enhance the overall presentation.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

Serve the roasted salmon immediately with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad are all excellent choices.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
• Citrus Variations: Try using lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: Roast vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers alongside the salmon for a complete meal.
• Marinating the Salmon: Marinate the salmon in the lemon-dill sauce for 30 minutes before roasting for even more flavor.

Recipe Card

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Category: Main Course | Method: Roasting | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 350 | Sugar: 2g | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 35g | Yields: 4 servings

FAQs

How long does roasted salmon last in the fridge?

Roasted salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze roasted salmon?

Yes, you can freeze roasted salmon. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What is the best temperature to cook salmon?

The best internal temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

What sides go well with roasted salmon?

Roasted salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers), quinoa, rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, and fresh salads.

Is roasted salmon healthy?

Yes, roasted salmon is a very healthy dish. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Roasting is also a healthy cooking method that doesn’t require a lot of added fat.

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