Want to dress up your fish? This lusciously creamy dill sauce for salmon transforms it into a restaurant quality meal!…
Want to dress up your fish? This lusciously creamy dill sauce for salmon transforms it into a restaurant quality meal! As two cookbook authors, this is one of our favorite ways to serve salmon.
Why we love this recipe
Looking to dress up your fish? This lusciously creamy dill sauce adds a burst of tangy, herbaceous flavor to everything it touches. It’s fantastic on anything, of course: like carrot sticks, fries, or as a sandwich spread.
But we’ve found it’s most at home with a piece of savory, perfectly seasoned fish! This sauce compliments the rich, buttery notes of salmon perfectly. (Plus, fresh dill is everything, right?) It takes baked salmon from blah to magnificent in just 5 minutes!
Ingredients in this dill sauce for salmon
Dill sauce is a natural pairing with salmon: this delicate herb is often paired with fish in Scandinavian cuisine. Its citrusy, subtle licorice flavor is infused throughout this creamy sauce, which has a simple mix of lemon and herbs. This dill sauce has a bit of richness for drizzling on fish: you’ll only need a small amount for big impact. (Contrast that to our Greek yogurt-based Dill Sauce, which is better used as a vegetable dip or on a falafel sandwich.) Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Finely chopped fresh dill
Lemon juice
Garlic powder
Dried dill
Sugar
Fresh vs dried dill
The flavor of this dill sauce for salmon is best with both fresh dill and dried dill! Fresh dill has a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with only the dried version. However, buying fresh herbs can be expensive and it’s not always possible to access fresh dill. If you can’t find it, use 2 teaspoons dried dill instead (then skip the added dried dill in the recipe).
Why does this dill sauce use fresh dill and dried dill? They’re both essential to the flavor. Fresh dill infuses a light, citrusy, herby flavor whereas dried dill gives a darker complexity. Don’t leave out the dried dill either! The flavor is lacking without it.
Ways to serve this dill sauce for salmon
This dill sauce for salmon works with just about any way you want to cook this fish! Here are a few of our top methods for how to cook salmon, which pair excellently with this sauce recipe:
This dill sauce for salmon recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
This recipe uses both types of dill. If you don’t have fresh dill, use 2 teaspoons dried dill total.
How long can I store dill sauce in the refrigerator?
Dill sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What other types of fish can I serve with dill sauce?
Dill sauce pairs well with many types of fish, including white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut, as well as other oily fish like trout or mackerel. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips.
Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. If you’d like the sauce consistency thinner, add water ½ teaspoon at a time. Drizzle over Baked Salmon, Grilled Salmon, or Pan Seared Salmon. Leftovers store up to 1 week refrigerated.
Notes
*The flavor with fresh dill is best here, but if you don’t have it use 2 teaspoons dried dill total (you can then omit the extra ¼ teaspoon dried dill).
Craving a show-stopping seafood dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare? Our smoked cedar plank salmon is the answer to your grilling prayers. This easy seafood recipe combines the delicate flavors of fresh salmon with the aromatic essenc…
Craving a show-stopping seafood dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare? Our smoked cedar plank salmon is the answer to your grilling prayers. This easy seafood recipe combines the delicate flavors of fresh salmon with the aromatic essence of cedar, all enhanced by a gentle kiss of smoke. It’s easier than making grilled salmon because you don’t have to worry about sticking, giving you picture-perfect…
This salmon burger recipe offers a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite! Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden, salmon patties are tucked into a fresh bun and loaded with your favorite toppings.
This salmon burger recipe offers a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite! Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden, salmon patties are tucked into a fresh bun and loaded with your favorite toppings.
Salmon is a real treat, but with a little bit of planning, I have found it can be enjoyed any time of year! Nice cuts of salmon are available fresh and/or frozen pretty much everywhere these days, making this Grilled Salmon recipe one that is great to have in your back pocket, especially during Summer.
When I was pregnant with my daughter, the only thing I craved that wasn’t sour fruits or crunchy veggies was salmon! My body must have been onto something because this recipe for Grilled Salmon goes perfectly with a squeeze of sour grilled lemon and vegetables of any kind! I found a great deal on skin-on wild-caught salmon at Walmart for this recipe, making it cost effective as well as delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make grilled salmon:
Salmon: I found fresh Atlantic salmon on a good sale, so that’s what I used. I often find frozen salmon to be cheaper– just thaw before using.
Lemon: Adds freshness and a little bit of sourness.
Vegetable Oil: Helps the salmon grill without sticking.
Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
What Else Can I Add?
I kept things basic for this grilled salmon recipe, but it’s easy to season with your favorite spice blends, like:
Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
Brush lemon halves and salmon on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper
Grill salmon (skin side down) and lemons (cut side down) to grill and grill for 6 minutes.
Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.
Preheat grill on high, 450-500°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Brush the halves of 1 lemon and 2 6-oz. salmon fillets on all sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill salmon (skin side down) and lemons (cut side down) to grill and grill for 6 minutes.
Flip lemons and salmon and grill for 4 minutes or until internal temp reaches about 135°F. Remove from grill and allow salmon to rest for a few minutes, where it will finish cooking and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Get your grill out, ’cause we’re making the best Hot Smoked Salmon with some Pendleton Rye Whisky. It’s an epic recipe that merges three favorites: an Old-Fashioned cocktail, BBQ seasoning, and succulent salmon with a flaky texture.
The final result of this culinary combo? Sweet, spicy, and smoky decadent goodness in every bite. This hot smoked salmon recipe is a variation of my Bourbon Bacon Pecan Salmon recipe. However, this time around the garlic and chipotle kick up the smoky flavor a notch or two.
Why am I recommending Pendleton Whisky? If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you should soon find out! Pendleton Whisky is distilled in Western Canada with glacier-fed spring water sourced from Mt. Hood, Oregon. With its exceptionally smooth texture and rich, complex flavor profile, I always keep a bottle of Pendleton Whisky in my cabinet.
To clarify, this is not a traditional cold smoked salmon recipe made in the Traeger Smoker. We’ll use a grill and a higher temperature so that the salmon cooks for only about 20 minutes on the grill grates. The smoke flavor in the cooking process comes from the chipotle and the fruit wood chips we’ll throw in the grill.
Besides the short cooking time, Hot Smoked Salmon is always a great idea for special occasions or easy weeknight dinners. Salmon doesn’t need a long time to cook so it’s perfect for summer nights when you’re not in the mood to spend hours standing by the grill.
Overall, wild salmon with flavor love from the barbecue seasoning and the Pendleton Rye Whisky chipotle glaze is so freakin’ delicious. Each bite is rich, flavorful and memorable!
Full Side of Salmon – The best type of salmon is always a personal preference. Wild-caught salmon from the Pacific Northwest is my favorite, however, Atlantic salmon, farm-raised salmon or even sockeye salmon are fine. Choose whichever one you think is the better choice and season it with your favorite BBQ rub.
Whisky Chipotle Glaze – A tantalizing blend of Pendleton Rye Whisky, maple syrup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Chipotle puree and sesame seeds creates a sticky, flavorful coating for the salmon.
Oranges – Sliced navel oranges serve as a natural “plank” for the salmon during cooking, imparting another Old-Fashioned-inspired touch.
With its tantalizing blend of flavors and easy preparation, Hot Smoked Salmon is sure to become a favorite recipe in your culinary arsenal. You’ll savor every bite of the smoky sweet goodness!
How to Make the Best Salmon on the Grill
First, let’s get started by firing up the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat, aiming for around 350 degrees F.
Whisky Glaze for Hot Smoked Salmon
Next, once the grill is heated up, place a cast iron skillet over the high-heat side. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle and brown for about 2 minutes. Then comes the fun. Deglaze the skillet with Pendleton Rye Whisky and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Next, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients for the sweet and spicy whiskey glaze. Let everything simmer away over the flames until it thickens up, usually about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stir it often, and if it starts bubbling too high, just pull the skillet off the flames for a bit. Once it’s nice and thick, let it cool down for a few minutes to room temperature.
While the glaze is cooling off, let’s prep the surface of the salmon. With the skin side down, generously season the top of the salmon with the BBQ Rub and set it aside.
Go ahead and grab those sliced oranges and then arrange them on the cooler side of the grill as a plank. You may have seen me use this technique before in the Planked Salmon recipe. This is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon because it’s a simple and easy way to add flavor, plus it ensures the salmon won’t stick to the grill.
Carefully lay the seasoned salmon on top of the oranges. Next up, slather the salmon generously with that delicious Whisky Chipotle Glaze. Make sure to cover every inch with that sticky and flavorful sauce.
Grilling Hot Smoked Salmon
Close the grill lid and let it work its magic, cooking indirectly at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees F. To check the temperature, make sure to use an instant-read thermometer.
Once the salmon is done, carefully take it off the grill and sprinkle on some chopped chives and a few extra sesame seeds for good measure. All that’s left to do is serve up each piece of salmon. Lastly, enjoy every bite of that hot smoked salmon goodness!
Hot Smoked Salmon pairs well with many of your favorite sides. I’m thinking grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic-infused mashed potatoes. For drinks, make a classic Pendleton Old Fashioned cocktail, because, of course, it’s the perfect complement. See the quick and easy recipe below.
If you love seafood as much as me, check out the latest post about how to make a Grilled Seafood Platter.
Pendleton Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Firstly, fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Secondly, pour in 2 ounces of Pendleton Whisky. Next, add a quarter ounce of simple syrup. Then, add two dashes of Angostura bitters before stirring or shaking vigorously for about 30 seconds. Finally, strain the concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Leftovers & Reheating
If you happen to have a lot of salmon left over, first let it cool down. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm the salmon over the grill tucked inside some aluminum foil at a low temperature for about 10-12 minutes. Leftover cold salmon is great on salads or in creamy pasta dishes.
FAQs for Hot Smoked Salmon
Can I use a different type of whisky for the glaze?
While Pendleton Rye Whisky offers the best results for this salmon recipe, feel free to experiment with other spirits like bourbon.
Can I use a different method to cook the salmon fillet?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill yet, you can achieve tasty results by baking the salmon in the oven at 400 degrees for about 14-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the glaze?
Yes, to do so, you only need to adjust the amount of Chipotle puree or simply leave it out.
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Preheat a two zone medium-high heat fire (around 350F).
Add a cast iron skillet over the high heat side of the side. Add your minced garlic to brown for 2 minutes, then deglaze with Pendleton Rye Whisky and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Next, add the rest of the ingredients for the Whisky Glaze and let simmer over the flames until thickened (about 4-5 minutes). Make sure to stir it often, and pull the skillet off the flames if you see it start to bubble too high. Let it cool, then add it back to the flames and keep stirring. Once the glaze has thickened, pull it off and let cool for 5 minutes.
Generously season your salmon with BBQ Rub and set to the side.
Add all your sliced oranges to the cool side of the grill to create a “plank” for your salmon to lay on.
Place the salmon on top of the oranges and slather in the Whisky Chipotle Glaze. Thoroughly cover the top of the salmon with the glaze.
Close your grill lid and cook indirect at 350F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches 135-145F internal.
When the salmon is done, pull it off and garnish with chopped chives and more sesame seeds. Serve with a Pendleton Old Fashioned and enjoy!
Notes
Pendleton Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of Pendleton Whisky. Next, add a quarter ounce of simple syrup. Then, add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain the concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
This oven baked salmon recipe perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy…
This oven baked salmon recipe perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a quick meal to impress.
Stop right there and bookmark this baked salmon recipe, because you’ll never need another! As married cookbook authors who have tried countless salmon recipes, this is the method that gets hands down rave reviews from friends and family. The tender fillet is perfectly seasoned with brown sugar and spices and has a lovely crisp topping, which is our favorite (no more mushy and under-seasoned fillets!).
What we love about this oven baked salmon recipe
This baked salmon recipe is our total go-to, from when our parents visit to a quick weeknight dinner for our kids. You’ll never need another recipe! Here’s why we love it:
It’s perfectly seasoned. The smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme combination hits a home run (we also use it on our baked chicken thighs).
It has a crispy top. Mushy salmon is our pet peeve. This one comes out with a lovely crispy topping from the brown sugar and if you’d like, a quick broil.
It’s so simple. It takes just 20 minutes to make this! Get ready to impress your mother in law, neighbors, boss, or partner with no effort at all.
Featured reader comment
“It was absolutely delicious, and so easy to make! The fish was very flaky and tender and the smokey flavor is almost addictive. What could be better than having something that is easy to make and tastes wonderful? I will no doubt make this again soon!” -Annika
Key ingredients
For the very best baked salmon recipe, you’ve got to start with a great fillet of fish. This is easier said than done, since there are many different ways salmon is sold at the store. In general, stay away from those big economy-sized freezer bags. Here are a few tips:
Look for 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick salmon fillets. You might find this type labeled “center cut” at the store. You can also use thinner fillets like sockeye salmon, which take less time to cook.
Buy fresh salmon, wild caught if possible. Salmon fresh from the fish counter usually has the best flavor. Frozen can work, but opt for highest-quality possible. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms; see Seafood Watch Consumer Guide.
Add this simple seasoning blend. You’ll need a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, cumin, and salt. Before seasoning, brush on just a thin coating of olive oil.
How to bake salmon: step by step
This baked salmon recipe calls for seasoning the fish with brown sugar and spices, then baking until tender. We used to only bake salmon in a foil packet, but it gets very moist and mushy. This method for baking salmon that makes a lightly caramelized top, which we find gets rave reviews! Here are the steps for how to bake salmon:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (or brine it in salt water).
Step 2: Place the room temperature salmon on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season (see full recipe).
Step 3: Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, until just tender and pink at the center and the internal temperature is 125 to 130°F in the center.
Serve garnished with finely chopped parsley. If desired, add a salmon sauce!
Variation: try baked lemon salmon
Want to mix up this baked salmon? Our favorite variation is lemon salmon, infused with citrusy fresh flavors!
Brush a medium baking dish with olive oil, then place slices from 1 lemon in the bottom and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the salmon on top and sprinkle the fillets with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon each onion powder dried dill, then sprinkle evenly over the fillets.
Bake in the same manner as the base recipe, then spoon over the sauce in the pan before serving.
Serve with a sauce!
The best part about this oven baked salmon recipe is that it’s perfectly seasoned on its own: it doesn’t required a sauce to make it taste great! But you’re welcome to add one to take it up a notch. Here are a few of our favorite salmon sauce ideas:
Leftover salmon lasts refrigerated for up to 3 days, stored in a sealed container. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, or in a 400F oven until warm. Or, repurpose it in leftover salmon recipes like salmon salad, a salmon rice bowl, and more!
More salmon recipes
Love cooking with salmon? Here are a few more salmon recipes to try:
This oven baked salmon recipe is pescatarian, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best temperature for baked salmon?
400°F (200°C) makes for a tasty, tender piece of fish.
How long to bake salmon?
Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130°F in the center). A 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes total.
For a crispy top, when the salmon is at 115°F, broil for about 2 minutes (about the last 2 minutes of the cook time).
What is the white stuff on baked salmon?
The gooey white stuff that oozes on the surface after cooking a piece of salmon is called albumin: it’s a coagulated protein that seeps to the surface while baking. The amount of albumin varies depending on the fish, so it’s not something you can control. It’s safe to eat, but it does look unappealing.
How do you prevent the white stuff on salmon?
Buy quality fresh fish. It’s best to buy fresh salmon and the white stuff can vary based on the fish counter at each grocery store, even though there’s no labeling difference. Experiment to find a source you love.
Brine the fish before cooking. Placing the fish in a brine solution for 15 minutes before baking can help to reduce albumin (see notes in the recipe below).
This oven baked salmon recipe perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a quick meal to impress.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, wild caught if possible*
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (or brine it**).
Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle the salmon with the kosher salt evenly divided among the fillets.
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cumin. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the fillets.
Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130°F in the center). A 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes total. For a crispy top, when the salmon is at 115°F, broil for about 2 minutes (about the last 2 minutes of the cook time).
Notes
*Lemon salmon variation: Brush a medium baking dish with olive oil, add the slices of 1 lemon, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the salmon on top of the lemons and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided among the fillets. In a medium bowl, mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon dried dill, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the fillets. Bake in the salmon manner as Step 4 above, then spoon over the sauce in the pan before serving.
**Brine the salmon (optional): While the oven preheats, in a shallow dish mix together 4 cups room temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes (this should be about the time it takes to preheat).
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Seafood
Diet:Gluten Free
Keywords: Baked salmon, baked salmon recipe, oven baked salmon. how to bake salmon, how long to bake salmon