Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze

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

Succulent salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy perfection and finished with a bright, aromatic glaze made with Irish whiskey and fresh dill. This irish-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 125°F (medium-rare), then transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add the 1/4 cup Irish whiskey, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the 2 tbsp chopped dill.
  5. Step 5: Pour the glaze over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze?

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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze?

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 Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze 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 Dill and Irish Whiskey Glaze?

Irish 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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