Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce
Salmon fillets pan-roasted to crispy skin perfection, served with a bright citrus-infused dill butter sauce. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pieces, 6 oz each, skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets with skin on and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet.
- Step 5: Stir butter and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Cook for 1 more minute until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Spoon the citrus dill butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce?
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-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce 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.
What goes well with Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter Sauce?
General seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
