Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Butter
Flaky salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill crust, finished with a herb-infused butter sauce that melts into the fish for an elegant keto meal. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, avocado oil, lemon juice 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 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 avocado oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C). Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until fish flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/4 cup sour cream, whisking constantly for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp chopped parsley, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 with Herbed 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Butter low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.