Easy Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas Recipe

Discover a quick, flavorful Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas recipe that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner packed with zest and freshness. This dish combines tender, buttery salmon with bright, tangy lemon and sweet, herbaceous dill peas, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds without taking hours to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3 rich salmon and vibrant green peas for balanced nutrition.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce adds a refreshing zing that enhances the natural flavors.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
• Versatile: Works great as a quick lunch or elegant dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together seamlessly, each bringing its own touch to enhance the taste, texture, and color of your Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed, skin-on or off, the star protein of the dish.
• Butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps carry the lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes that balance the richness.
• Fresh Dill: Brings an aromatic herbaceous freshness, perfectly complementing the peas.
• Frozen or Fresh Peas: Sweet peas add vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Infuses a gentle pungency and warmth into the butter sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

Variations for Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

Feel free to adjust this Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas recipe to suit your mood or dietary preferences. It’s incredibly flexible and easy to tweak.

• Herb Variations: Swap dill for tarragon, parsley, or chives for a different herbal note.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add asparagus, baby spinach, or cherry tomatoes alongside peas for added color and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute instead of regular butter.
• Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
• Different Citrus: Experiment with lime or orange zest for a new citrus twist.

How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures a flavorful crust when cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter until foamy. Place the salmon skin-side down if using skin-on and cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the butter to emulsify with the citrus and garlic for a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Dill Peas

In a separate small pan, sauté peas with a bit of butter, salt, and freshly chopped dill until heated through and tender but still bright green. This keeps their sweetness and texture intact.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Place the salmon on a plate and drizzle generously with the warm lemon butter sauce. Serve the dill peas on the side and garnish with additional fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest salmon possible for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly; remove from heat when it flakes easily with a fork to avoid dryness.
• Warm the Butter Gently: Melt butter on low heat to prevent burning and preserve its creamy texture.
• Use Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor far beyond dried and keep the dish vibrant.
• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemon before cutting to make juicing easier and reduce mess.
• Pat Salmon Dry: Removing moisture from the fish surface helps you achieve that golden crust perfectly.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh dill sprigs or thin lemon slices on top creates a beautiful presentation and adds extra bursts of flavor right at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like quinoa, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad that won’t overpower the delicate salmon and peas.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the salmon atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a swirl of herbed yogurt sauce to give the dish a restaurant-quality appeal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon separately, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, for up to 1 month. Peas are best frozen raw or cooked separately to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out the salmon; adding a small pat of butter or a splash of lemon juice can help retain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.

What type of peas work best?

Fresh or frozen sweet green peas both work well, but fresh peas provide a slightly sweeter taste and better texture if available.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free butter and seasonings.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

While the sauce is best served fresh, you can make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it just before serving for convenience.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside; overcooking can cause it to dry out and lose flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about the marriage of buttery salmon, bright lemon, and sweet dill peas, especially when it comes together so effortlessly. This Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas recipe is a reliable go-to that tastes like it took hours to prepare but works perfectly for any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite on your weeknight dinner rotation!

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