Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter
Salmon fillets pan-seared to crisp skin perfection, finished with a tangy citrus and dill butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets with skin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip salmon carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp orange zest. Spoon the citrus-dill butter over the salmon fillets for 1 minute to coat and warm through.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from heat and serve immediately with extra butter spooned on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus and 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Dill 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Dill Butter?
Mediterranean 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
