Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Butter Sauce
Flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection, topped with a rich, herb-infused butter sauce. Served with a side of steamed green beans for a complete keto meal. This american-inspired keto ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter 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 4, 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 lb, trimmed green beans
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season salmon fillets with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through to your preference.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the skillet, stirring until butter melts and garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and return salmon to the skillet to coat. Simultaneously, steam 1 lb trimmed green beans for 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with 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-Seared Salmon with 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-Seared Salmon with Dill Butter Sauce 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 Butter Sauce?
American keto 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best salmon recipe I've tried. The dill butter sauce was the perfect touch. Easy to make for a weeknight.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely amazing. The salmon was flaky and the sauce complemented it perfectly. Served with roasted asparagus.
- ★★★★★
My go-to salmon recipe now. The dill butter sauce is a game-changer. Easy and impressive.
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