Keto Simple Baked Salmon with Lemon, Dill, and Capers – A Zesty, Low-Carb Seafood Delight

As I sit here watching the late afternoon sun cast golden shadows across my kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the simplicity of this dish. There’s something magical about the combination of fresh salmon, bright lemon, fragrant dill, and briny capers that makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion. This Keto Simple Baked Salmon recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels luxurious but requires minimal effort – because sometimes the best things in life really are the simplest.

The Accidental Culinary Masterpiece

I discovered this recipe during what I lovingly call “The Great Pantry Cleanout of 2019.” With nothing but a salmon fillet, a sad-looking lemon, and a jar of capers that had been lurking in the back of my fridge for who knows how long, I created what would become one of my most requested dishes. My dinner guests that night had no idea I was essentially throwing together kitchen scraps, and honestly, neither did my taste buds. Sometimes culinary magic happens when you least expect it.

Why This Recipe Works

This keto salmon recipe is a winner for several compelling reasons. First, it requires minimal prep work yet delivers maximum flavor – perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without the fuss. The natural fats in salmon make it an ideal keto protein source, while the bright, acidic notes from the lemon and capers cut through the richness beautifully.

The recipe is also incredibly versatile – swap the herbs, play with the seasonings, or change the cooking time slightly to achieve your preferred level of doneness. Plus, everything comes together on a single sheet pan, meaning cleanup is a breeze. Who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on preferred
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
2 tablespoons capers, drained
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Drizzle the mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, using a spoon to spread it and ensure the fillets are well coated.
Scatter the capers over the salmon fillets and place small pieces of butter on top of each piece of fish.
Arrange the lemon slices around and slightly on top of the salmon for both flavor and presentation.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but is still moist and slightly translucent in the center. The internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

Perfect Doneness: Remember that salmon continues to cook a bit after you remove it from the oven, so it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook. For a medium-rare center, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F.

Herb Substitutions: Not a fan of dill? Try fresh thyme, tarragon, or parsley instead.

Texture Boost: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of crushed pork rinds mixed with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top before baking.

Sauce It Up: Create a quick compound butter by mixing softened butter with lemon zest, dill, and capers. Place a dollop on top of the hot salmon just before serving for an extra luxurious finish.

Meal Prep Tip: This salmon can be cooked ahead of time and enjoyed cold or at room temperature for lunch the next day. Simply flake it over a bed of mixed greens for a perfect keto lunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Net Carbs: 2g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: <1g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Ready to Dive In?

There you have it, folks – a salmon dish that’s simple enough for Monday night but elegant enough for company. I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Did you make any clever substitutions? Was it a hit with the family? Drop a comment below and let me know, or better yet, share your creation on social media and tag The Ketovore.

And if you’re looking for more seafood inspiration that keeps your carb count low but your culinary satisfaction high, don’t forget to check out my other keto seafood recipes. From buttery scallops to spicy shrimp, there’s a whole ocean of low-carb possibilities waiting for you to explore!