Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill
A flavorful salmon dish brined in gin and dill, then baked until flaky and served with a lemon-dill sauce. This international-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs salmon fillets, gin, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 600g salmon fillets
- 150ml gin
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 150ml gin, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 2 tsp salt, 3 tbsp white wine vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Submerge 600g salmon fillets in the brine and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the salmon from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 3: Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and flaky.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, make the lemon-dill sauce by zesting and juicing 1 lemon, then whisking with 1 tbsp fresh dill, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Serve the salmon with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Gin-Brined Salmon with Dill?
International seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better seafood dishes though.
