Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter
Succulent salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and finished with a zesty lemon-dill butter sauce, served with roasted asparagus. This american-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Step 4: While the salmon cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
- Step 5: Drizzle the lemon-dill butter over the salmon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
