Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard and Herb Butter
Succulent salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy perfection and finished with a tangy Dijon mustard herb butter for a rich, elegant entrée. This seafood recipe, ready in about 17 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces, 6 oz each, skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 4: Flip salmon carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped chives, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet.
- Step 6: Spoon the melted herb butter over the salmon fillets continuously for 1 minute to glaze and infuse flavor before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard and Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 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 Dijon Mustard and Herb Butter?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard and Herb 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 Dijon Mustard and Herb 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-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard and Herb Butter?
International 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.
