This flavorful dish features tender salmon fillets topped with garlic dill butter, served alongside crispy roasted baby potatoes, creating a warm and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Garlic Dill Butter Salmon and Potatoes: A Comforting Delight
There’s something undeniably cozy about a rustic dinner at home. I remember those chilly evenings at my grandmother’s kitchen table, the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filling the air, as we gathered around with eager hearts and hungry bellies. This Garlic Dill Butter Salmon and Potatoes recipe is inspired by those warm memories, offering a simple yet luxurious meal that brings comfort and connection to any dining experience.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out not just for its irresistible flavor but for its delightful combination of tender salmon, buttery garlic, and fresh dill. The seasoned potatoes roast until crispy, creating a perfect contrast to the buttery, flaky fish. Plus, it’s an incredibly efficient one-pan dish, making clean-up a breeze — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Potatoes:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved (or you can use any small potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Notes:
- Salmon: You can substitute with trout or another firm fish if preferred.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can replace dill for a different profile.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace salmon with eggplant or chickpeas.
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and warm to get everything cooking evenly. As the heat builds, grab a large baking sheet and toss those halved baby potatoes onto it. Drizzle with a tablespoon of the melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then give them a good toss until they are well coated. Spread them out evenly, making sure they all have some room to roast beautifully.
Now, pop the tray in the oven and let the potatoes roast for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to check them halfway through; give them a stir to ensure they crisp up evenly.
While that heavenly smell fills your kitchen, let’s whip up the garlic dill butter. In a small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped dill. This rich mixture will take your salmon to the next level, promising flavor in every bite.
Once the 15 minutes are up, it’s time for the star of the show. Take the baking sheet out and gently push the potatoes to one side, making space for the salmon fillets. Place the salmon on the sheet and drizzle the garlic dill butter generously over each fillet. Season with a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper — don’t skimp on flavor!
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the salmon; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. You’ll also notice the potatoes getting that beautiful golden hue.
When everything is perfectly cooked, remove the tray from the oven and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon and potatoes for that zesty finish.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Dinner
Enjoy this Garlic Dill Butter Salmon with a side of seasonal greens.Herbed arugula or a light cucumber salad pairs wonderfully, adding a refreshing counter to the richness of the dish.
For an added touch, you could even serve it alongside a creamy dill sauce or some tartar sauce for dipping. The lemon wedges not only brighten the plate but also enhance the flavors with a citrusy burst!
Tips and Variations
- Flavors: Experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic dill butter for a subtle kick.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the garlic dill butter in advance and store it in the fridge — just reheat it when you’re ready to cook.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the fish and use zucchini or bell pepper slices seasoned with the same garlic dill butter.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure it’s thawed properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill?
A: Dried dill works just fine; use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
Q: How can I tell when the salmon is done?
A: It’s cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?
A: While it’s best fresh, you can prep the garlic dill butter and chop the potatoes a day ahead. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready!
Behind the Scenes
Creating this dish was a lovely journey of nostalgia for me. I played around with the balance of flavors, trying different herbs and butter mixtures. There were moments when the garlic might have overwhelmed the dish, but once I found the perfect harmony of dill and butter, it all came together beautifully. I could practically hear my grandmother’s laughter with each taste!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Dill Butter Salmon and Potatoes dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s one of those meals that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water to elevate your culinary experience.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hopefully make it part of your cooking routine! Let me know how yours turns out!
For the Salmon and Potatoes
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) Substitute with trout or another firm fish if preferred.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved Alternatively, use any small potatoes.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Use plant-based butter for a vegan option.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Alternatively, use 1 tablespoon dried dill.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 piece Lemon wedges for serving Adds a zesty finish.
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a large baking sheet, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Spread the potatoes out evenly on the baking sheet.
Roasting the Potatoes
Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Garlic Dill Butter
In a small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped dill.
Adding Salmon
After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet and push the potatoes to one side.
Place the salmon fillets on the sheet and drizzle the garlic dill butter generously over each fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
Finishing Cooking
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
Remove the tray from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and potatoes before serving.
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 34gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
Keep leftover garlic dill butter in the fridge for future use. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of seasonal greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.
