Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill

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

Salmon fillets seared to crispy perfection with bright lemon and fresh dill. This american-inspired keto (keto) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) salmon fillets, tablespoon olive oil, sliced into wedges lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Transfer salmon to plates, squeeze 1/2 lemon over top, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh dill.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill 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 Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill?

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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill?

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 Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill 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 Pan-Fried Salmon with Lemon and Dill 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.

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