Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter
A perfectly seared salmon fillet topped with a vibrant lemon-herb butter sauce, rich in healthy fats and protein while staying under 5g net carbs per serving. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 542 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just smoking.
- Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (medium-rare), then transfer to a plate.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet, and melt, swirling to coat the pan.
- Step 6: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 7: Immediately whisk in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp fresh dill, then remove from heat.
- Step 8: Pour the lemon-herb butter sauce over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb 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.
Is Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
