Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a bright lemon-dill sauce, evoking the freshness of Indianapolis' Central Canal. Ready in 20 minutes. This american-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 295 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 295 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3 more minutes. Add 1 lemon slice and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, cooking 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon, then add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet. Whisk until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly. Pour over salmon immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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 Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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.

Is Central Canal Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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