Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright, herbaceous sauce that's rich in omega-3s and ideal for a low-carb, high-protein dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Salmon fillets, Olive oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (each 6 oz) dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and slightly smoking.
- Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (for medium-rare), then transfer to a plate.
- Step 5: While the salmon cooks, zest and juice 1 lemon into a small bowl, then add 2 tbsp fresh dill and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and swirl until melted, then stir in the lemon-dill mixture from step 5 until smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the sauce over the salmon and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon 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 Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon?
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 Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon?
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 Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon 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 Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
