Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce (Printable Version)
Tender, flaky salmon, perfectly baked and served with a creamy, refreshing dill sauce. A light yet satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salmon Fillets
01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each), skin removed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced
→ Creamy Dill Sauce
06 - 2/3 cup sour cream
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
02 - Gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a desirable texture. Arrange the dried fillets evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Lightly drizzle olive oil over each salmon fillet. Season thoroughly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place a thin lemon slice on top of each salmon portion.
04 - Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes effortlessly with a fork when tested.
05 - While the salmon is baking, prepare the dill sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
06 - Carefully remove the baked salmon from the oven. Serve immediately, accompanied by a generous dollop of the creamy dill sauce either directly on the fillet or served on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's incredibly quick to pull together, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your evening.
- The creamy dill sauce is so bright and fresh, it honestly makes any salmon fillet taste like a gourmet experience.
02 -
- Overcooking salmon is a culinary tragedy; pull it out when it's just opaque and flakes easily.
- Using fresh dill makes an unbelievable difference; dried just doesn't capture that vibrant essence.
03 -
- For the flakiest salmon, bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Chill the dill sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving; the flavors meld and deepen beautifully.