Best Sear Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This dish proves that the 'best' sear on salmon creates a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh, elevated by fresh dill and lemon. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs (6 oz) skin-on salmon fillet, 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 320 calories and feeds 1, 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 1 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 6 oz skin-on salmon fillet dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet, pressing gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure even contact.
  4. Step 4: Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, checking for doneness by lifting the edges to see if the flesh releases easily from the pan.
  5. Step 5: Flip the salmon carefully, add 1 minced garlic clove to the pan, and cook for 2 more minutes until the salmon is medium-rare (internal temperature 125°F).
  6. Step 6: Remove salmon from skillet, leaving the pan drippings. Add 1/2 thinly sliced lemon and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1 tsp lemon juice.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the lemon-dill sauce over the salmon and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Sear Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sear 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 (6 oz) skin-on salmon fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Sear 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 Sear Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Sear 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.

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