Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon

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

Succulent salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and finished with a bright lemon-dill butter sauce. This american-inspired keto ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down (if skin is on) in skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until skin is crispy and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Stir over medium heat for 1 minute until butter melts and sauce is fragrant, then pour over salmon and garnish with lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon?

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 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 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon?

American keto like this pair well with a low-carb side — cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or asparagus, or a leafy salad with olive oil and parmesan. Rice, couscous and bread would blow the carb budget this recipe is built around. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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