Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill
Perfectly crispy-skinned salmon where 'best' describes the technique without needing an article, highlighting minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs skin-on salmon fillets, thinly sliced lemon, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1.5 lbs, skin-on salmon fillets
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; place salmon skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 1 minute to prevent curling.
- Step 3: Cook skin-side up for 7-8 minutes until the salmon is opaque halfway through, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (medium-rare).
- Step 4: Transfer salmon to a plate, top with 1 thinly sliced lemon and 3 tbsp chopped dill, and serve immediately while the skin is still crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-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 skin-on salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-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 Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-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 Best Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
