Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lightly steamed Scottish salmon fillets topped with a bright lemon butter sauce infused with fresh dill. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, fresh dill, chopped 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 British cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 Scottish salmon fillets with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Fill a large pot with 4 cups water and bring to a simmer. Place a steaming basket over the water, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the salmon fillets in the steaming basket, cover, and steam over simmering water for 8-10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Remove the salmon from the steamer and plate immediately. Spoon the warm lemon dill butter over each fillet and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter?

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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter?

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 Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter 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 Steamed Scottish Salmon with Dill and Lemon Butter?

British 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.

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