Broiled Salmon With Herbed Lemon Butter
Broiled salmon fillets topped with a flavorful herbed lemon butter deliver a light, healthy, and elegant dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of lemon, herbs, and butter enhances the tender fish, making it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers seeking a quick yet sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a broiler pan with foil and place salmon fillets on a well-greased rack.
- Combine melted butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, crushed dill weed or other herbs, salt, and pepper to make the herbed lemon butter mixture.
- Baste the salmon fillets with the herbed lemon butter mixture.
- Broil the salmon 4 inches from the heat for approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Do not turn the salmon during cooking.
- Baste several times during the cooking process.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the herbed lemon butter mixture sit for a few minutes before basting the salmon to allow the herbs to infuse. If you want a different flavor profile, consider substituting the parsley with fresh dill or thyme. Ensure the salmon is patted dry before applying the butter to help achieve a nice sear. For an alternative, try pairing this dish with sides from our Seafood recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broiled salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light meal. It also pairs beautifully with quinoa or couscous, offering a nice texture contrast. For a complete dining experience, consider complementing this dish with Stuffed Mushroom Appetizers or a citrusy salad to balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover broiled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second increments until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a low oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broiled Salmon With Herbed Lemon Butter contains roughly 13 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking and proper flavor absorption. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for faster results.
What should I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. Typically, use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For this recipe, one teaspoon of dried parsley and dill weed would work well. Just remember to adjust according to your taste preference.
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the fillet. If you don't have a thermometer, look for the salmon to turn opaque and lose its translucent appearance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).