Pan-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Dill Butter

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

Pan-roasted salmon fillets finished with a luscious garlic dill butter sauce for a rich and fresh finish. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin on, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 12 min Serves 2 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for 2-3 more minutes until just opaque in the center.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the pan; spoon the melted butter over the salmon for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Dill 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Dill 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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Dill 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Dill Butter 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 Garlic Dill Butter?

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.

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