Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Lemon Butter
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill butter sauce that elevates a simple weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, butter, juice lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp juice lemon
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming; add salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet, set aside, and add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to the skillet; stir to combine, then return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Lemon Butter take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 & Lemon 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Lemon 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 Dill & Lemon 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Lemon Butter gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
